St. James High School is a public high school in Burgess, South Carolina, United States, located west of Highway 17 on Highway 707 approximately six miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of 13 high schools in the Horry County School District.
Serving 1,826 students in grades 9-12, St. James High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 89% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 88% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,826 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Top 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 89% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 88% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 82% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
St. James High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
St. James High School's student population of 1,826 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 104 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,826 students
Total Classroom Teachers
104 teachers
Year Founded
2002
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
St. James High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of St. James High School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#19 out of 1118 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
89%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
88%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
82%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
13%
15%
Black
6%
31%
White
73%
46%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sharks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. James High School's ranking?
St. James High School is ranked #19 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are St. James High School often compared to?
St. James High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Socastee High School, Carolina Forest High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 88% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of St. James High School?
The graduation rate of St. James High School is 87%, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 84%.
How many students attend St. James High School?
1,826 students attend St. James High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of St. James High School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of St. James High School?
St. James High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does St. James High School offer ?
St. James High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is St. James High School part of?
St. James High School is part of Horry 01 School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
helpful but no info on individual class sizes overall...8/10, would visit again
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