St. James High School is a public high school in Burgess, South Carolina, United States, located west of Highway 17 on Highway 707 approximately six miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of 13 high schools in the Horry County School District.
Serving 1,880 students in grades 9-12, St. James High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 89% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 88% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,880 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Top 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 89% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 88% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 82% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
St. James High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
St. James High School's student population of 1,880 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,880 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Year Founded
2002
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
St. James High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of St. James High School is 0.42, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#19 out of 1118 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
89%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
88%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
82%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
11%
14%
Black
7%
31%
White
75%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sharks
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. James High School's ranking?
St. James High School is ranked #19 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are St. James High School often compared to?
St. James High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Socastee High School, Carolina Forest High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 88% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of St. James High School?
The graduation rate of St. James High School is 87%, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 84%.
How many students attend St. James High School?
1,880 students attend St. James High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of St. James High School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of St. James High School?
St. James High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does St. James High School offer ?
St. James High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is St. James High School part of?
St. James High School is part of Horry 01 School District.
School Reviews
5 7/19/2016
helpful but no info on individual class sizes overall...8/10, would visit again
Review St. James High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
