Gaffney is a city in and the seat of Cherokee County, South Carolina, United States, in the Upstate region of South Carolina. Gaffney is known as the "Peach Capital of South Carolina". The population was 12,539 at the 2010 census, with an estimated population of 12,609 in 2019.
Serving 1,878 students in grades 9-12, Gaffney High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,878 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 53% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Gaffney High School's student population of 1,878 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,878 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Year Founded
1905
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Mascot
Wild Boars
School Rankings
Gaffney High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Gaffney High School is 0.60, 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
#325 out of 1118 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
12%
14%
Black
30%
31%
White
55%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
78%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gaffney High School's ranking?
Gaffney High School is ranked #325 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Gaffney High School often compared to?
Gaffney High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Blacksburg High School, Boiling Springs High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Gaffney High School?
The graduation rate of Gaffney High School is 78%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 84%.
How many students attend Gaffney High School?
1,878 students attend Gaffney High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Gaffney High School students are White, 30% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Gaffney High School?
Gaffney High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Gaffney High School offer ?
Gaffney High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Gaffney High School part of?
Gaffney High School is part of Cherokee 01 School District.
School Reviews
1 2/17/2020
I hate this place, don't let your kids go here. They will hate it too.
2 11/16/2015
Well, if the fact that there is only a 67% graduation rate should say it all, and yet thats higher than state average. wow......I have never been impressed with the school at all. They seem to have every statistic posted here except the ratio of bullys to students. Bullying is a huge problem, and they do not address it. Football is more important than classes by far. Parents who actually want to be involved in their childs education are ignored.
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