Dutch Fork High and Chapin High Ranked in Top 10 in SC

Richland School District Five has two high schools in the top ten list of South Carolinas “Best High Schools.” In the latest US News & World Report rankings, Dutch Fork High School was ranked third overall behind two academic magnet schools, which ranks Dutch Fork High the number one traditional high school in South Carolina. “I couldn’t be more proud of my students and staff,” said school Principal Dr. Greg Ownings. “We work hard every day to create a great learning environment for our students and they respond by producing excellent academic results.  This would not be possible without the support of our parents and community.”

Chapin High School was ranked eighth overall and was the sixth best traditional high school in South Carolina. “This is another indicator we are doing things right at Chapin High,” said school Principal Dr. Akil Ross. Our teachers are focused on great teaching, our parents and community provide great support to our school and our students are dedicated to academic success.  It’s a winning combination!”

The rankings used a four-step process determined the “Best High Schools.” The first three steps ensured that the schools serve all of their students well, using their performance on the math and reading parts of their state proficiency tests and graduation rates as the benchmarks. For those schools that made it past the first three steps, a fourth step assessed the degree to which schools prepare students for college-level work.

District Five Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Hefner said, “This is another example of the priority we place on academic excellence. I am extremely proud of Dutch Fork High and Chapin High for receiving national recognition for their laser focus on teaching, learning and college readiness preparation. Congratulations to our teachers, staff, parents and students.”