Photo: Evanoco · CC BY 4.0Winnsboro’s public schools score below 64% of South Carolina districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 30% of Winnsboro’s students scored proficient, below the South Carolina average (41%). The grade covers the public school district serving Winnsboro, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within South Carolina, not nationally.
From South Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Winnsboro’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 128 South Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Winnsboro’s, its schools beat 47%, higher than their 36% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 44% of tested students were proficient in reading and 30% in math, against 52% and 41% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
80–84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84% across South Carolina (the state reports Winnsboro’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $24,513 per student, against $15,090 across South Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Fairfield Middle, then Fairfield Central High. Enrollment is down 13% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Midlands STEM Charter School is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Winnsboro’s grade
C+: better than 36% of South Carolina school districts, #136 of 169 South Carolina towns. Both inputs trail the South Carolina average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Winnsboro, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in Winnsboro
Fairfield Middle
Grades 7–8 · 311 students · 9:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Winnsboro
Fairfield Middle
Grades 7–8 · 311 students · 9:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Winnsboro
Fairfield Central High
Grades 9–12 · 619 students · 12:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Winnsboro
Fairfield Central High
Grades 9–12 · 619 students · 12:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Winnsboro
Fairfield Central High
Grades 9–12 · 619 students · 12:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Winnsboro
Fairfield Central High
Grades 9–12 · 619 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Winnsboro’s public schools are run by Fairfield County School District, which also serves Jenkinsville and Ridgeway. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Winnsboro vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the South Carolina towns that share Winnsboro’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Winnsboro | C+ | Fairfield County |
Every school in Winnsboro
8 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with South Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Fairfield Career and Technology Center).
Questions about Winnsboro’s schools
Are Winnsboro’s schools good?
On South Carolina’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Winnsboro children attend score below 64% of South Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #136 of 169 South Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 47%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Winnsboro in?
Fairfield County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 2,103 students in 7 schools (2024–25).
Where do Winnsboro kids go to high school?
Fairfield Central High, with 619 students; its own test results earn an A−.
What is Winnsboro’s graduation rate?
80–84% of the class of 2023 in Fairfield County School District graduated in four years, against 84% across South Carolina.
How much does Winnsboro spend per student?
$24,513 in Fairfield County School District (FY2024), against $15,090 across South Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Winnsboro families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Winnsboro → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within South Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.