Going for Great in District 7: A Year of Momentum and Milestones

This year, District 7 truly embodied our theme of Going for Great — in every classroom, on every stage and field, and across our entire community. From record-breaking iReady growth to state and national recognition for our students, teachers, and schools, 2024–2025 was a year defined by excellence, resilience, and shared pride.

One of the most defining moments of the year came when voters overwhelmingly passed a historic referendum, reaffirming their belief in the power and promise of public education. This bold investment will bring a new Jesse Boyd Elementary School to life, along with an early childhood wing at Mary H. Wright, further strengthening the foundation for generations to come.

We celebrated major academic milestones, including Cleveland Academy of Leadership being named a Beating the Odds School and once again earning an EXCELLENT state report card rating — a powerful testament to the school’s continued momentum and the strength of the community partnerships supporting it.

Building on last year’s federal Full-Service Community Schools grant, District 7 deepened its commitment to early learning and whole-child support. With expanded 3K and 4K classrooms, family navigators, and integrated health services, our district continues to prioritize the success and well-being of our youngest learners, recognizing that strong starts create lifelong opportunities.

Spartanburg High School, our flagship institution, remained steadfast in its commitment to preparing every student for college and career success. With a graduation rate that exceeds both state and national averages and SAT scores that consistently outperform the norm, our students continue to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. The Class of 2025 earned more than $26 million in scholarships, including prestigious awards such as National Merit, Palmetto Fellows, and Hope Scholarships.

Our excellence extends far beyond the classroom. SHS students earned accolades through nationally recognized programs like Envirothon, Cyber Patriots, and eSports. On the field, our 69 scholar-athletes exemplified commitment and balance. The school celebrated an Upper State Championship in lacrosse, region championship titles in lacrosse and tennis, and five individual state champions in swimming, track, and strength competitions. These wide-ranging accomplishments continue to earn Spartanburg High School a place among the nation’s top-ranked high schools, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report.

Across the district, we are deeply committed to providing meaningful access and personalized learning opportunities for every student. Each of our schools reflects its unique community through distinguished programs, including AVID Schools of Distinction, International Baccalaureate accreditation, Montessori programs, arts-integrated instruction, and national recognitions such as Schools to Watch and Franklin Covey Leader in Me Lighthouse Schools.

Our shared mission to empower every student is reflected in transformative opportunities like Viking Early College, Spartanburg County Early College High School, and the Scholars Academy. These innovative programs enable students — many of whom are the first in their families to attend college — to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. In 2025, eighteen seniors proudly walked across the stage with both credentials in hand, a testament to the power of access, high expectations, and individualized support. As we close this chapter and look ahead, we are reminded: “Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.” We are deeply grateful for our supportive community and the strong partnerships that help our students thrive. Together with our dedicated staff, engaged families, and incredible students, we’ll continue Going for Great — with purpose, passion, and pride in all that makes District 7 a place where opportunity lives today, and greatness grows for tomorrow.