Excellent
#5 of 1,176 schools in SC
Top 1% in state
Buford High
High School · Lancaster 01
4290 Tabernacle Road, Lancaster, SC 29720
Enrollment
554
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
9.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
554
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
9.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lancaster
#1 of 14
public schools
South Carolina high schools
#1 of 216
In district
#1 of 22
Lancaster 01
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Buford High
Buford High serves 554 students in grades 9 through 12 as a regular public school in Lancaster, South Carolina. With a student-teacher ratio of 12.9 to 1, students have consistent access to instruction throughout the day. The school earned a composite score of 9.1 out of 10, rated Exceptional — driven by a 9.6 in academics and a 9.7 in growth.
Those numbers put Buford at the very top of the state. It ranks #1 among all 216 public high schools in South Carolina and sits at #5 out of 1,176 public schools statewide, outperforming 100% of South Carolina schools on the composite index. Locally, it holds the top spot among all 14 schools in Lancaster.
The 9.7 growth score is especially worth noting. Growth measures how much students advance year over year, independent of starting point — making it a reliable signal that a school is actively adding value, not simply reflecting the demographics it serves. A near-perfect mark there means Buford performs at an elite level regardless of who walks through the door.
Combined with a 9.6 in academics, the school makes a strong case for families evaluating high school options anywhere in Lancaster County.
What's said publicly about Buford High
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026.
Sources (1)
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Buford High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Buford High — Students at Buford High score 80% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
55.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores SC EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from SC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.7/10.
How Buford High Compares
See how Buford High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 62% (2019) to 77% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 62% (2019) to 82% (2022).
Location
4290 Tabernacle Road, Lancaster, SC 29720
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Buford High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Andrew Jackson High (rated 7.5/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Kershaw), a more accessible option. Another option is Lancaster High (rated 5.4/10, 9.1 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Parkwood High (rated 5.3/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Monroe), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Buford Elementary Lancaster | 0.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Buford Middle Lancaster | 0.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Prospect Elementary Monroe | 7.1 mi | 8.3 |
| A. R. Rucker Middle Lancaster | 7.1 mi | 3.4 |
| CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lancaster | 8.2 mi | 5.9 |
| TENDERHEARTS Lancaster | 8.6 mi | — |
| Parkwood Middle Monroe | 9.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Parkwood High Monroe | 10.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Clinton Elementary Lancaster | 8.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Discovery Charter of Lancaster Lancaster | 9.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Lancaster High Lancaster | 9.1 mi | 5.4 |
| North Elementary Lancaster | 9.1 mi | 5.9 |
| South Middle Lancaster | 9.7 mi | 3.5 |
| Heath Springs Elementary Heath Springs | 11.3 mi | 4.7 |
| Brooklyn Springs Elementary Lancaster | 9.8 mi | 4.7 |
| McDonald Green Elementary Lancaster | 10.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Western Union Elementary Waxhaw | 12.2 mi | 6.3 |
| Andrew Jackson High Kershaw | 12.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Andrew Jackson Middle Kershaw | 12.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Erwin Elementary Lancaster | 11.1 mi | 3.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 29720 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,039
Median Home Value
$212,800
Median Rent
$845/mo
Population
51,603
College Educated
22.2%
Homeownership
77.7%
Avg Commute
30 min
Poverty Rate
17.4%
Median Age
41.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Buford High has a median household income of $59,039. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $212,800, with a median rent of $845/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.4%. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Calhoun County High St. Matthews, SC | 8.6 |
| Edisto High Cordova, SC | 8.6 |
| Hannah Pamplico High Pamplico, SC | 8.5 |
| CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL Columbia, SC | 8.4 |
| Burke High Charleston, SC | 8.3 |
| Academic Magnet High North Charleston, SC | 8.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Buford High
What grades does Buford High serve?
Buford High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Buford High?
Buford High has an enrollment of approximately 554 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Buford High?
The student-teacher ratio at Buford High is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Buford High rank in SC?
Buford High is ranked #5 out of 1,176 schools in SC.
What is Buford High's MySchoolScout rating?
Buford High has a composite rating of 9.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Buford High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Buford High has 57.0% math proficiency and 73.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Buford High a charter school?
No, Buford High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Buford High a Title I school?
No, Buford High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Buford High?
55.8% of students at Buford High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lancaster). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 554
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 43
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 55.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Lancaster County
- Phone
- (803) 286-7068
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Lancaster 01- District Enrollment
- 15,298
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,216
- District Rank
- #1 of 22
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.