- North Hartsville Elementary — 0.0 mi · Grades 1–5 · 486 students
- Thornwell School for the Arts — 1.6 mi · Grades 1–5 · 188 students
- Carolina Elementary — 1.9 mi · Grades 1–5 · 212 students
- Hartsville High — 2.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,129 students
- Southside Early Childhood Center — 3.2 mi · Grades PK–K · 360 students
- Hartsville Middle — 3.7 mi · Grades 6–8 · 801 students
- Bay Road Elementary — 3.7 mi · Grades PK–5 · 563 students
- Darlington Middle — 10.2 mi · Grades 6–8 · 888 students
with district
| Metric | Darlington County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 9,042 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 19 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,954/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington County School District (this district) | 4/10 | 38th | 9,042 |
| Chesterfield County School District | 3/10 | 27th | 7,019 |
| Lee County School District | 1/10 | 1st | 1,476 |
| Kershaw County School District | 7/10 | 62nd | 11,138 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 69 rated districts in SC → 38th percentile → 4/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Darlington County School District
Families in zip code 29550 (Hartsville, South Carolina) are assigned to Darlington County School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
Darlington County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 4/10, placing it in the below average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because South Carolina is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Darlington County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical South Carolina benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 29550
Children in zip code 29550 are assigned to Darlington County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 29550, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Darlington County School District at (843)398-5100 or visit www.darlington.k12.sc.us/. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — South Carolina districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Hartsville
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Darlington County School District serves zip code 29550, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 29550. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In South Carolina, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Darlington County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 29550.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Darlington County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 29550 data.