For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 7,376 students in Cherokee County, SC (there are , serving 91 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Cherokee County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, SC are Gaffney High School, Blacksburg High School and Corinth Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Cherokee County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gaffney High School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
149 Twin Lake Road
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-2000
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-2000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,878 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Blacksburg High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
201 West Ramseur Drive
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-2378
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-2378
Gr: 9-12 | 530 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Corinth Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
128 Corinth Road
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6600
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6600
Gr: PK-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Northwest Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
840 Green River Road
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6727
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6727
Gr: PK-5 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Grassy Pond Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1146 Boiling Springs Highway
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6671
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6671
Gr: PK-5 | 504 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
Cherokee Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3206 Cherokee Avenue
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 489-7198
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 489-7198
Gr: PK-8 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #77.
Draytonville Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2373 Wilkinsville Highway
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6783
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6783
Gr: PK-5 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #88.
Blacksburg Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
402 Hardin Street
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-6518
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-6518
Gr: 3-5 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #99.
Blacksburg Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
101 London Street
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-6829
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-6829
Gr: 6-8 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #1010.
Limestone-central Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
727 Pacolet Highway
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6620
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6620
Gr: PK-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1111.
John E. Ewing Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
171 East Junior High Road
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-2449
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-2449
Gr: 6-8 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #1212.
Luther L. Vaughan Elementary School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
192 Vaughan Road
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6054
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6054
Gr: PK-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1313.
B. D. Lee Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
401 Overbrook Drive
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6432
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-6432
Gr: PK-5 | 617 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: n/an/a
1010 East Cherokee Street
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-6936
Blacksburg, SC 29702
(864) 206-6936
Gr: PK-2 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
Institute Of Innovation
Vocational School
175 Campus Drive
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-2576
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-2576
Gr: 9-12
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
213 Alma Street
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6482
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6482
Gr: PK-5 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
805 East Frederick Street
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6129
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6129
Gr: 6-8 | 852 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
604 Goucher School Road
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6890
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-6890
Gr: PK-5 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
815 West Rutledge Avenue
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-2302
Gaffney, SC 29341
(864) 206-2302
Gr: 6-8 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
301 Spruce Street
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-2520
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864) 206-2520
Gr: PK-5 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, SC include Gaffney High School, Blacksburg High School and Corinth Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cherokee County?
15 public schools are located in Cherokee County.
What percentage of students in Cherokee County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Cherokee County are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Cherokee County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cherokee County include: Draytonville Elementary School vs. Corinth Elementary School, Northwest Elementary School vs. Grassy Pond Elementary School, Grassy Pond Elementary School vs. Northwest Elementary School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
