Golden Circle | Fall 2026

Greenville County Schools was ready for showtime as the curtain rose on the 2026-27 school year!

We are reaching new heights in preparing students for life after graduation. Greenville County Schools’ most recent test scores show elementary and middle school students outperformed the state on SC READY English Language Arts, Math and Science assessments, Greenville County high school students outperformed the state on the English II, Biology I and US History End-of-Course Exams, and 74.4% of GCS students who took South Carolina’s Career Ready Assessment in spring 2026 earned a credential, outperforming the state rate of 69.0%.

While we look forward to sharing the 2026 graduation results once they’re available, we continue to highlight the district’s 2025 graduation rate, which increased to 90.6% - the highest in GCS history and an 18-point increase since 2012. In addition, 85% of the 2024-25 graduation cohort met the markers for College or Career Readiness, a 20-point increase in five years.

These are more than metrics. They reflect the impact of Graduation Plus on students from Pre-K through 12th-grade as the district focuses on ensuring students graduate with a high school diploma PLUS college credit and/or industry certification.

Thank you for being a part of Golden Circle and supporting Greenville County Schools!

You can enjoy the benefits of your Golden Circle membership this school year beginning with the

start of football season.

Your membership card is honored at games hosted by our schools and specified away games. Districts participating in the Reciprocal Program (as of August 2026): Anderson 3, Anderson 4, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg 1, Spartanburg 2, Spartanburg 4, Spartanburg 5, Spartanburg 6 and Spartanburg 7.

Discounted Furman football and basketball season tickets are available to Golden Circle members.

You must have a new card for event entry. A valid photo ID is required to pick up the new card at 301 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville. The initial card is complimentary. There is a $5 (cash only, correct change) fee for replacement cards.

Berea

Carolina High and Academy government and economics teacher Mary Grace Carlson received the district’s highest teaching honor as Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster named her the 2026-27 GCS Teacher of the Year.

South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver visited Alexander Elementary to highlight its academic improvement and the work behind the school’s transformation. Notably, Alexander Elementary is the seventh most improved school in the state of South Carolina.

Greenville County Schools’ test scores show elementary and middle school students outperformed the state on SC READY English Language Arts, Math and Science assessments, Greenville County high school students outperformed the state on the English II, Biology I and US History End-of-Course Exams, and 74.4% of GCS students who took South Carolina’s Career Ready Assessment in spring 2026 earned a credential, outperforming the state rate of 69.0%.

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT! Reedy Laurel Elementary School was featured LIVE on NBC’s TODAY Show as students across Greenville County Schools headed back to class for the first day of school. TODAY co-anchor and South Carolina native Craig Melvin helped shine a national spotlight on Reedy Laurel, celebrating the excitement of a new school year and giving viewers across the country a glimpse of the GCS Advantage in action!