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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Darlington County Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 2,391 students in Darlington County, SC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Darlington County, SC are Butler Academy, Darlington Middle School and Spaulding Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Darlington County, SC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the South Carolina public middle school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Darlington County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle school average of 52% (majority Black).

Best Public Middle Schools in Darlington County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Butler Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
710 South 5th Street
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 287-2399
Gr: K-8 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #22.
Darlington Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
150 Pinedale Drive
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5088
Gr: 6-8 | 888 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #33.
Spaulding Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
400 East Cartersville Highway
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 326-7625
Gr: 6-8 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #44.
Hartsville Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1427 Fourteenth Street
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 857-3121
Gr: 6-8 | 801 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 56%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Darlington County, SC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Darlington County, SC include Butler Academy, Darlington Middle School and Spaulding Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Darlington County?
5 public middle schools are located in Darlington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Darlington County?
Darlington County public middle schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle schools average of 52% (majority Black).

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