Florence School District 3 is celebrating measurable academic growth and continued progress in preparing students for future success following the release of the 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards. The results highlight gains in English language arts achievement, multilingual learner proficiency, and college and career readiness, along with improvements in school ratings and scores. These accomplishments reflect the ongoing work of students, educators, school leaders, and staff across the district.
One of the district's most notable accomplishments is the continued improvement in English language arts (ELA). The percentage of FSD3 students meeting or exceeding expectations on the SC READY ELA assessment increased from 43.5% in 2024 to 50.8% in 2026, representing a gain of 7.3 percentage points over two years. This upward trend reflects progress in literacy achievement and the importance of focused instruction and data-informed decision-making.
Several schools demonstrated important progress in their overall school report card ratings. J.C. Lynch Elementary School increased its overall score from 49 points in 2025 to 53 points in 2026, moving from an overall rating of “Average” to “Good.” The school's work includes using student assessment and progress-monitoring data to inform instruction and professional learning, setting student learning goals, and implementing schoolwide positive behavioral supports.
Dr. Ronald E. McNair School of Digital Communication and Leadership (DREM) also achieved an important milestone, improving its overall rating from “Below Average” in 2025, with 35 points, to “Average” in 2026. This improvement represents meaningful progress as the school continues its work to strengthen instruction, support academic achievement, and help students reach their full potential.
Lake City High School increased its overall school report card score from 41 points in 2025 to 44 points in 2026. Although the school remains in the “Below Average” rating category, the three-point increase represents movement in a positive direction as LCHS continues working to strengthen academic achievement, support student growth, and prepare students for success beyond graduation.
J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School continues to support students across middle and high school. The middle school maintained its overall rating of “Average,” while the high school earned an overall rating of “Good,” with 61 points, in the 2026 School Report Cards. Through creative and scientific exploration, rigorous instruction, and preparation for college and careers, JPT provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills needed for future success.
Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School and Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy (SESA) both maintained their overall school report card ratings of “Average” in 2026. Olanta continues to focus on strengthening literacy and mathematics achievement while providing students with opportunities to engage in the arts and sciences. SESA provides hands-on STEM learning experiences, career exploration, and opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. SESA also earned an “Excellent” rating for school climate.
Scranton Elementary demonstrated notable growth in English language arts achievement. The percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations on the SC READY ELA assessment increased from 57.6% in 2024 to 65.2% in 2026. The school's 2026 performance exceeded the state average of 61.5%, highlighting an important accomplishment in literacy achievement.
FSD3 also demonstrated progress in supporting multilingual learners. The percentage of multilingual learners achieving English language proficiency increased from 12.2% in 2024 to 28.3% in 2026, a gain of 16.1 percentage points over two years. The percentage of multilingual learners meeting their progress targets also increased, rising from 20% to 23.9% during the same period. These results reflect progress in helping students develop the English language skills needed to access learning and succeed academically.
The district continues to strengthen opportunities for students beyond high school. The percentage of students classified as college or career ready increased from 46.6% in 2024 to 61.5% in 2026, an improvement of 14.9 percentage points over two years. College enrollment among graduates from the prior year's cohort also increased from 31.3% to 48.1%. Additionally, 557 students participated in Career and Technical Education courses, 119 students earned national or state credentials, and 76 students completed a Career and Technical Education program. These opportunities help students prepare for postsecondary education, workforce entry, and future careers.
While these accomplishments reflect meaningful progress, the report cards also reinforce the importance of continued improvement across the district. FSD3 remains focused on strengthening mathematics achievement, improving student growth, and providing targeted support to schools and students. The district will continue using performance data to guide instructional decisions, allocate resources, and identify strategies that best meet students' needs.
Superintendent Dr. Shawn Suber emphasized the importance of recognizing progress while remaining focused on the district's responsibility to every student.
“We are encouraged by the progress reflected in this year's report cards, particularly in literacy, English language development, and college and career readiness,” said Dr. Suber. “We are also proud of the schools that have improved their overall ratings and scores. These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students, teachers, school leaders, and staff. We recognize that our work is not finished, and we remain committed to strengthening instruction and ensuring that every student has the support and opportunities needed to succeed.”
FSD3 will continue building on areas of growth, expanding effective instructional practices, strengthening literacy and mathematics instruction, and providing meaningful support to students and educators. The district remains committed to continuous improvement and to preparing every student for success in school, in their future careers, and in life.
For more information about the South Carolina School Report Cards, visit https://screportcards.ed.sc.gov.
