At Dillon High School, we strive to create an environment conducive to learning where students, staff, families, and community members work together to provide every student with the academic, creative problem-solving, and social-emotional skills needed to be successful in college and career. There is a commitment to helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing our goals on the four Cs--critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Frequently communicated and strongly believed is our motto, “Excellence is Essential."

Dillon High School serves approximately 790 students in grades nine through twelve. Our goals are to continually improve the graduation rate, increase end-of-course scores and to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities graduate college, or career ready. Dillon High School has a partnership with Northeastern Technical College(NETC) where students take courses to earn credits towards high school and college. Students can take courses as early as ninth grade. Dual credit courses have  increased levels of rigor within the content. The partnership with NETC enables the advanced standing of students who aspire to attend post-secondary school; thereby reducing the time required to earn an undergraduate degree.

Students at Dillon High School have access to career certification through courses at the Dillon County Technology Center. Here, our students learn and develop the skills necessary for employability. These learning opportunities support students’ ability to think critically, collaborate, communicate effectively, and foster creativity. Students participate in work-based learning opportunities in fields such as Auto technology, Business, Cosmetology, Health Science, Information Technology, and Masonry. Students who are successful in their career cluster earn certification or licensure in preparation for the workforce. Based upon our WIN Career Readiness Assessment results, ninety-four students are deemed college and career ready for 2023-2024. This assessment is administered to all third and/or fourth year students.  

At Dillon High School, our students have opportunities to demonstrate their creativity in the fields of music and performing arts. It is through collaboration in song and/or dance that students’ natural talents and skills come together to create harmony. This year, the Dillon Marching Wildcats and Concert Bands participated in band competitions in both North and South Carolina. Students were awarded top honors and superior ratings for performances within the region. Five students earned the opportunity to audition for the All-state Band, and the marching band placed first overall musically, in percussion, drum major, and auxiliary. Our chorus and gospel choir performed for ceremonial and cultural events such as Veteran’s Day, Black History, and The Dillon High School International Program. Student groups present songs and dance appropriately representative of the culture or ceremony. Some upperclassmen represented Dillon High in a play production through Northeastern Technical College. Our students also explore other interests and collaborate in extracurricular activities such as Academic Challenge, JROTC, and competitive sports. The academic challenge team had a favorable season competing with teams throughout the region. They ended the season with a record of 4-2 and finished fifth in the region. In JROTC, the Senior Army Instructor(SAI) and Army Instructor(AI), establish leadership teams where the program is led under the direction of student officers. The program’s orders and expectations are communicated through the highest-ranking cadets, with the goal to continue building each students’ leadership potential. The Lady Wildcats Basketball Team had an undefeated season making them number one in the region as they entered the playoffs. Our Men’s Basketball team ranked second in the region, and our varsity football team ranked number one. These statistics were accomplished through collective problem solving, effective communication, and the ability to work as a team.

Additional accomplishments

• Dillon High School successfully implemented daily, a 30-minute advisory period for students to receive academic interventions and support.
• The Guidance Department sponsored a successful college fair for students to attend and partner with over 45 colleges, military personnel, and scholarship representatives. An overwhelming number of seniors applied to up to ten colleges at no cost to the students.
• Ninety-four students are deemed career ready based on satisfactory achievement on the WIN Career Readiness Exam offered to third year students.
• Dillon High School partnered with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), continuing to provide instructional support, and coaching to teachers in English, math, and science.
• During the 2023-2024 school year, Dillon High School increased its student participation in the Northeastern Technical College (NETC) Dual Enrollment program and the NETC summer program.
• Student interest in becoming Meeting Street Scholars has increased over two years. Eleven seniors were awarded the Meeting Street Scholarship for 2024.  
• Twenty-four seniors in the class of 2024 have earned six or more college credits through Northeastern Technical College. Ten of these students earned thirty or more credits prior to graduating high school.
• The Class of 2024 amassed over $5,397,000.00 in scholarship awards and opportunities.

We will continue work to cultivate the learning environment and opportunities for our students to flourish. Again, at Dillon High School, "Excellence is Essential."

Humbly submitted,

Regina J. Brown, SIC

Timothy P. Gibbs, Principal

Dillon High School