Average
#412 of 1,176 schools in SC
Top 35% in state
May River High
High School · Beaufort 01
601 New Riverside Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Enrollment
1,665
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,665
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bluffton
#9 of 10
public schools
South Carolina high schools
#115 of 216
In district
#18 of 32
Beaufort 01
Academic performance
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About May River High
May River High stands out as one of South Carolina's top-performing public high schools, serving 1,665 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15.3:1. The school has earned impressive recognition, ranking 56th out of 1,192 high schools statewide and placing in the 95th percentile with a strong MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 out of 10. Academically, May River High excels particularly in English Language Arts, where 89% of students achieve proficiency or above across all grade levels.
Mathematics performance shows 69% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards. These achievements reflect the dedication of the school's 109 full-time equivalent teachers and the supportive learning environment they create. The school serves a well-educated community in Bluffton's 29910 ZIP code, where 44% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher and the median household income reaches $92,421.
The area maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 7.8%, contributing to a stable educational environment. With median home values around $383,200, the neighborhood reflects the growth and prosperity of the greater Bluffton area. May River High is situated in a rural setting near town, offering students the benefits of a more spacious campus while maintaining access to Bluffton's expanding amenities and opportunities in Beaufort County.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, May River 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
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May River High — Students at May River High score 79% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45.3%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 7.7/10.
How May River High Compares
See how May River High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 77% (2019) to 69% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 79% (2019) to 89% (2022).
Location
601 New Riverside Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering May River High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bluffton High (rated 8.9/10, 4.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.8/10, 10.1 miles away, in nearby Ridgeland), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, The School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High (rated 7.2/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Savannah), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bluffton, see our Bluffton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pritchardville Elementary Bluffton | 1.9 mi | 6.8 |
| River Ridge Academy Bluffton | 4.2 mi | 8.1 |
| H. E. McCracken Middle Bluffton | 4.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Bluffton Elementary Bluffton | 4.8 mi | 7.8 |
| Bluffton High Bluffton | 4.9 mi | 8.9 |
| Bluffton Middle Bluffton | 6.1 mi | 7.3 |
| MAY RIVER MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bluffton | 6.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Red Cedar Elementary Bluffton | 6.6 mi | 8.7 |
| Michael C. Riley Elementary Bluffton | 6.8 mi | 7.9 |
| Okatie Elementary Bluffton | 7.9 mi | 8.6 |
| Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences Charter Sch Hardeeville | 7.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Hardeeville Junior /Senior High Hardeeville | 8.7 mi | — |
| Hardeeville Elementary Hardeeville | 8.7 mi | 2.6 |
| JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ridgeland | 10.1 mi | 6.7 |
| JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ridgeland | 10.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Savannah Early College High School Savannah | 11.7 mi | 6.5 |
| The School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High Savannah | 11.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Coastal Middle School Savannah | 12.3 mi | 7.6 |
| Marshpoint Elementary School Savannah | 12.4 mi | 9.5 |
| Shuman Elementary School Savannah | 12.1 mi | 8.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 29910 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$96,122
Median Home Value
$420,200
Median Rent
$1,848/mo
Population
50,173
College Educated
46.4%
Homeownership
76.9%
Avg Commute
25.7 min
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Median Age
42.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding May River High has a median household income of $96,122. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $420,200, with a median rent of $1,848/month. The local poverty rate of 7.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 26 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 |
|---|---|
| Camden High Camden, SC | 6.9 |
| Greenwood High Greenwood, SC | 6.9 |
| Hartsville High Hartsville, SC | 6.9 |
| Pickens High Pickens, SC | 6.9 |
| T. L. Hanna High Anderson, SC | 6.9 |
| Fort Dorchester High North Charleston, SC | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about May River High
What grades does May River High serve?
May River High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend May River High?
May River High has an enrollment of approximately 1,665 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at May River High?
The student-teacher ratio at May River High is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does May River High rank in SC?
May River High is ranked #412 out of 1,176 schools in SC.
What is May River High's MySchoolScout rating?
May River High has a composite rating of 6.9 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 May River High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, May River High has 71.7% math proficiency and 83.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is May River High a charter school?
No, May River High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is May River High a Title I school?
No, May River High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for May River High?
45.3% of students at May River 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,665
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 109
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Beaufort County
- Phone
- (843) 836-4900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Beaufort 01- District Enrollment
- 21,489
- Schools in District
- 32
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,232
- District Rank
- #18 of 32
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.
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