For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,129 students in Barnwell County, SC (there are 3 private schools, serving 275 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Barnwell County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Barnwell County, SC are Barnwell High School, Barnwell Elementary School and Barnwell Primary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Barnwell County, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Barnwell County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Barnwell County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Barnwell High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
474 Jackson Street
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1390
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1390
Gr: 9-12 | 557 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Barnwell Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
10524 Marlboro Avenue
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1285
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1285
Gr: 4-6 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Barnwell Primary
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
9286 Marlboro Avenue
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1320
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1320
Gr: PK-3 | 680 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #44.
Guinyard-butler Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
779 Allen Street
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1370
Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 541-1370
Gr: 7-8 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
Barnwell County Career Center
Vocational School
5214 Reynolds Road
Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 259-5512
Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 259-5512
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
76 Atkins Circle
Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 284-5700
Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 284-5700
Gr: 9-12 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: n/an/a
1071 Elko Street
Williston, SC 29853
(803) 266-3737
Williston, SC 29853
(803) 266-3737
Gr: PK-5 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: n/an/a
556 Jones Bridge Road
Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 284-5800
Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 284-5800
Gr: PK-8 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: n/an/a
12233 Main Street
Williston, SC 29853
(803) 266-3110
Williston, SC 29853
(803) 266-3110
Gr: 9-12 | 192 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: n/an/a
12233 Main Street
Williston, SC 29853
(803) 266-3430
Williston, SC 29853
(803) 266-3430
Gr: 6-8 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Barnwell County, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Barnwell County, SC include Barnwell High School, Barnwell Elementary School and Barnwell Primary.
How many public schools are located in Barnwell County?
10 public schools are located in Barnwell County.
What percentage of students in Barnwell County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Barnwell County are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Barnwell County?
Barnwell County public schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Barnwell County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Barnwell County include: Blackville-hilda High School vs. Barnwell High School, Barnwell High School vs. Blackville-hilda High School, Williston-elko High School vs. Barnwell High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.