Monday, November 3, 2025, Colleton County School District received the South Carolina State Report Cards for all elementary, middle, and high schools. The accountability system used to evaluate schools is rigorous and multifaceted, measuring performance across multiple indicators that vary at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Scores and overall ratings are not based solely on state test results, but instead reflect a broad picture of student achievement, growth, readiness, and school environment.
Superintendent Jessica Williams met with The Press and Standard to review the report card process and outline the factors that go into determining a school’s rating.
This year marked a historic milestone for the Colleton County School District.
For the first time in district history, all elementary schools and Colleton County Middle School received an Average rating. Although Colleton County High School remained rated Below Average, the school improved and missed moving into the Average category by a narrow margin. Significantly, CCSD earned six Average ratings and recorded zero Unsatisfactory ratings districtwide—a first for our district.
When Superintendent Williams began her tenure, CCSD was at risk of state takeover due to underperformance. Through strategic planning, collaboration among schools and district leadership, and a commitment to improvement, Colleton County School District is no longer listed as an underperforming district.
Understanding the Accountability Framework
The Profile of the South Carolina Graduate (PSCG)—developed by the South Carolina Department of Education—defines the knowledge, skills, and characteristics students should possess to be college- and career-ready. The profile includes three primary components:
World Class Knowledge
Students are measured on mastery of rigorous academic content, including:
• English/Language Arts
• Mathematics (including Algebra and Geometry)
• Science (including Biology)
• Foreign Language, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Social Sciences
World Class Skills
These reflect competencies necessary for success in a global workforce:
• Creativity & innovation
• Critical thinking & problem-solving
• Collaboration & teamwork
• Communication
• Civic responsibility
• Self-direction & global awareness
Life & Career Characteristics
Skills benefiting students beyond K–12:
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Work ethic
• Interpersonal skills
• Responsibility & self-motivation
Colleton County Alignment
CCSD incorporates PSCG competencies into curriculum planning and instruction, underscoring our mission to prepare every student with a 21st-century education that leads to college and/or career readiness. The Class of 2025 included dual enrollment students who earned high school diplomas and college credits, with several graduating with an Associate Degree through the University of South Carolina, Salkehatchie.
Colleton County High School received a Below Average rating for 2025, meaning the school is close to meeting state expectations and is actively progressing toward full PSCG readiness benchmarks.
How Schools Are Rated
Schools are evaluated using performance indicators specific to grade level.
Academic Indicators
Elementary & Middle Schools
• Academic Achievement (SC Ready ELA/Math; SC Alt)
• Preparing for Success (Science grades 4 & 6)
• Multilingual Learner Progress (ACCESS)
• Student Progress (ELA/Math growth grades 4–8)
High School
• Academic Achievement (EOC English 2 & Algebra 1)
• Preparing for Success (EOC Biology 1 & U.S. History)
• Multilingual Learner Progress (ACCESS)
• Graduation Rate
• College & Career Readiness
• High School Student Success
Environment Indicators for all School Levels
• School Climate
• Classroom Environment*
• Student Safety*
• Financial Data*
*Information only—not scored
Rating Score Ranges (Unrounded)
For elementary schools the ranges (unrounded) are as follows:
• Excellent: 60.50-100.00
• Good: 52.50-60.49
• Average: 41.50-52.49
• Below Average: 33.50-41.49
• Unsatisfactory: 00.00-33.49
For middle school the ranges (unrounded) are as follows:
• Excellent: 55.50-100.00
• Good: 47.50-55.49
• Average: 35.50-47.49
• Below Average: 28.50-35.49
• Unsatisfactory: 00.00-28.49
For high school the ranges (unrounded) are as follows:
• Excellent: 66.50-100.00
• Good: 59.50-66.49
• Average: 50.50-59.49
• Below Average: 39.50-50.49
• Unsatisfactory: 00.00-39.49
2025 CCSD Report Card Results
Elementary Schools
• Bells Elementary – 46 (Average)
• Cottageville Elementary – 47 (Average)
• Forest Hills Elementary – 43 (Average)
• Hendersonville Elementary – 43 (Average)
• Northside Elementary – 49 (Average)
Middle School
• Colleton County Middle School – 37 (Average)
High School
• Colleton County High School – 41 (Below Average)
Progress Over Time (2019–2025)
Colleton County Schools have made consistent academic gains over the past five years.
2019
1 Average
4 Below Average
2 Unsatisfactory
2022
1 Good
1 Average
4 Below Average
1Unsatisfactor
2023
1 Average
4 Below Average
2 Unsatisfactory
2024
3 Average
4 Below Average
2025
6 Average
1 Below Average
In 2025:
• Northside Elementary improved 8 points—just 3.5 points away from a Good rating.
• Colleton County Middle increased 7 points.
• Bells and Cottageville Elementary each increased 7 points.
Importantly:
Under SC Code of Laws 59-18-1615, a district qualifies for state takeover when 65% or more of schools are Unsatisfactory or Below Average for three consecutive years.
In 2024, CCSD was at 57%.
In 2025, only one school fell in that category.
This means CCSD is no longer at risk for state intervention.
A Message of Celebration and Momentum
Superintendent Jessica Williams shared,
“The academic success of our school district is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our teachers, school and district leaders, staff, students, and families. This year’s results are a testament to perseverance, shared commitment, and belief in our students.”
Colleton County School District is on the move!
“It’s All About the Kids — The Time is Now!”
