For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,658 students in Union County, SC (there are , serving 101 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Union County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, SC are Union County High School, Monarch Elementary School and Jonesville Elementary Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Union County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Union County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Union County High School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1163 Lakeside Drive
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1750
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1750
Gr: 9-12 | 1,069 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #22.
Monarch Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
218 Monarch School Drive
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1733
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1733
Gr: PK-5 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Jonesville Elementary Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
350 New Hope Church Road
Jonesville, SC 29353
(864) 674-5518
Jonesville, SC 29353
(864) 674-5518
Gr: PK-8 | 593 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Foster Park Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
901 Arthur Boulevard
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1737
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1737
Gr: PK-5 | 434 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #55.
Buffalo Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
733 Main Street
Buffalo, SC 29321
(864) 429-1730
Buffalo, SC 29321
(864) 429-1730
Gr: PK-5 | 478 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #66.
Sims Middle School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2200 Whitmire Highway
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1755
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1755
Gr: 6-8 | 635 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: n/an/a
Union County Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
1165 Lakeside Drive
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1765
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1765
Gr: 9-12
Union County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
212 Culp Street
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1725
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1725
Gr: 5-6 | 567 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
350 New Hope Church Road
Jonesville, SC 29353
(864) 674-5518
Jonesville, SC 29353
(864) 674-5518
Gr: 6-8 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
212 Lockhart Drive
Lockhart, SC 29364
(864) 545-6501
Lockhart, SC 29364
(864) 545-6501
Gr: K-8 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Union County Careertech Center (Closed 2007)
Vocational School
1165 Lakeside Drive
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1765
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1765
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Union County, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, SC include Union County High School, Monarch Elementary School and Jonesville Elementary Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Union County?
7 public schools are located in Union County.
What percentage of students in Union County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Union County are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Union County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Union County include: Monarch Elementary School vs. Foster Park Elementary School, Foster Park Elementary School vs. Monarch Elementary School, Buffalo Elementary School vs. Foster Park Elementary School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
