Education / K-12
South Carolina reports highest SC READY scores in test’s history
Shares of South Carolina students in grades 3-8 meeting or exceeding expectations rose to 61.3% in English and 47.9% in math in 2025-26, the state Education Department said.
Source-checked story: attributed primary-source and published reporting; no on-location reporting.
South Carolina students in grades 3 through 8 posted the highest share of “Meets” and “Exceeds” scores in the history of the state’s SC READY assessment in 2025-26, State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said Nov. 7.
Statewide, 61.3% of students met or exceeded expectations in English language arts, up from 59.6% in 2025 and 53.5% in 2024, according to state data. In math, 47.9% met or exceeded expectations, up from 43.9% and 42.3% in the previous two years, which the department called the state’s strongest year on record in the subject. Eighth graders posted an 11.8% gain in the number of students scoring at or above expectations in math, the department said.
This was the second year of testing under revised English standards. The department said 165 schools now have at least 75% of students at or above grade level in English and 71 schools in math. York 4 and Anderson 4 were the only districts at 75% or higher in English. “But this is the new starting line, not the finish line,” Weaver said. She highlighted Meeting Street Elementary – Burns in Charleston, where the department said about 89% of students come from low-income households and the share at or above grade level rose 22 points.
The state’s goal is to have 75% of students performing at or above grade level by 2030, the department said. State, district and school-level results are available on the department’s website.
What we know / what we don't
What we know
- Shares of South Carolina students in grades 3-8 meeting or exceeding expectations rose to 61.3% in English and 47.9% in math in 2025-26, the state Education Department said.
What we don't know
- Figures are from a state agency release; independent analysis of the results was not available.
The source record