Byrnes Freshman Academy: A Comprehensive Overview
James Byrnes Freshman Academy serves as a critical transition point for students entering high school within Spartanburg County School District No. 5 in South Carolina. Located in Duncan, SC, the academy focuses specifically on ninth-grade students, providing a tailored environment to support their academic and social development as they move from middle school to high school. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Byrnes Freshman Academy, covering its academic performance, student life, facilities, and surrounding community.
General Information
James Byrnes Freshman Academy is a public school located at 150 East Main Street, Duncan, South Carolina. It operates under the Spartanburg County School District No. 5. The school can be contacted at (864) 949-2355. The academy is dedicated to students in the 9th grade.
Academics
Byrnes Freshman Academy has a total enrollment of 788 students. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, which allows for more individualized attention. Academic performance data indicates that 84% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 99% are proficient in reading. The average GPA is 3.65, and the average SAT score is 1290. James F. Byrnes High School is ranked #11,139 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college.
Ratings and Rankings
James Byrnes Freshman Academy receives mixed reviews from different ranking systems. It has a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10. James F. Byrnes High School is ranked #133 in South Carolina High Schools. These ratings provide a general overview of the school's performance, but it’s important to consider various factors when evaluating a school's quality.
Student Life and Environment
The school's environment appears to have both positive and negative aspects. Some appreciate the dedication of the people involved in activities like band and sports.
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However, some perceive the building as depressing, noting issues such as numerous water stains. Some indicate that enthusiastic students were rare even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
James F. Byrnes High School
James F. Byrnes High School, which includes grades 9-12, has a total enrollment of 2,315 students and a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. The school's student body demographics reveal that 58% of students are economically disadvantaged, with 50% participating in the free lunch program and 8% in the reduced-price lunch program.
Academic Performance at James F. Byrnes High School
James F. Byrnes High School students demonstrate varying levels of proficiency in different subjects. In mathematics, 11% of students show proficiency. The school also measures the performance of underserved students, with 30.9% of this subgroup being proficient on state exams, compared to 50.3% of non-underserved students.
College Readiness
College readiness is an important aspect of James F. Byrnes High School's evaluation. Approximately 19% of the 12th-grade class took at least one AP® exam, and 15% passed at least one AP® exam. Among exam takers in the 12th grade, 81% scored 3 or higher on an exam.
Ranking Factors for James F. Byrnes High School
The school's rankings are based on several factors, including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, and graduation rate.
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- College Readiness Index Rank: #7,981 (tie) nationally, #93 in the state
- College Curriculum Breadth Index Rank: #6,981 (tie) nationally, #80 (tie) in the state
- State Assessment Proficiency Rank: #9,930 (tie) nationally, #128 in the state
- State Assessment Performance Rank: #15,617 (tie) nationally, #201 in the state
- Graduation Rate Rank: #13,269 (tie) nationally, #123 (tie) in the state
Additional Schools in the Area
The area surrounding James Byrnes Freshman Academy and James F. Byrnes High School includes several other schools, such as Beech Springs Intermediate School and Florence Chapel Middle School.
Community and Location
The academy is located in Duncan, South Carolina, an area experiencing rapid growth. The average home value in the area is $256,855. The location offers convenient access to both Greenville and Spartanburg. New residential constructions are emerging in the area, reflecting its growth. For example, homes at 230 Gano Dr and 397 Pine Street in Reidville. Additionally, apartment complexes like Cove At Pine Ridge in Lyman, SC, offer modern living options.
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