Serving 400 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Whale Branch Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 400 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whale Branch Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Whale Branch Elementary School's student population of 400 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has grown by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
400 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Whale Branch Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whale Branch Elementary School is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1075 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
16%
14%
Black
73%
31%
White
4%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whale Branch Elementary School's ranking?
Whale Branch Elementary School is ranked #1075 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Whale Branch Elementary School?
400 students attend Whale Branch Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Whale Branch Elementary School students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whale Branch Elementary School?
Whale Branch Elementary School has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Whale Branch Elementary School offer ?
Whale Branch Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Whale Branch Elementary School part of?
Whale Branch Elementary School is part of Beaufort 01 School District.
School Reviews
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