A lot has changed since 1884 when local leaders helped establish the School District of the City of Spartanburg. And yet, the declaration above from Mr. Charles Petty is as applicable today as it was more than a century ago. Spartanburg School District 7 has a rich history that has been chronicled since our District’s birth in the late 1800’s.

In a book entitled, The First Ninety-Eight Years: 1884-1982, educator and author Ella Poats writes about the events that shaped the development of the public-school system in Spartanburg. With vivid stories and pictures that capture the changing landscape of the District, the author aptly notes that, from one generation to the next, it’s been the people of our community who have contributed to the excellence of the District. 

Clearly, the lynchpin in that bridge between the decades is this community’s abiding commitment to the children of District 7. As we opened our new Spartanburg High School on East Main Street in 2019, District 7 once again chronicled its history so that students will know the roots of their past, understand the legacy that precedes them, and envision the role they will play in our future. History walls containing artifacts, photos, and narratives reflecting the decades of Carver High School and Evans High School (later renamed Spartanburg High School) now have prominence in our new SHS. They reflect the stories and memories of our community, created through a collective effort as alumni of both high schools joined in gathering and sharing these histories.

• In 1973, District 7 was one of three school districts in the state awarded a grant by the Department of Education to develop a pilot program for gifted and talented students. Today, the District’s Odyssey program is lauded as one of the finest in the state and is a model program for districts across the nation.

• District 7 was among the first in the state to receive closed circuit instructional television from South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV). The District continues to partner with SCETV to access a wide range of programming for teachers and students.

• District 7 has long enjoyed regional acclaim for its commitment to music education. In 1953, D7 organized the first comprehensive orchestra program of its kind in South Carolina – affording children in grades 5-12 the opportunity to play and perform in a school orchestra. Today, the Spartanburg High School Orchestra and the Spartanburg High School Band are consistently honored with regional, state and national awards.

• Continuing in its innovative approach to education, District 7 offers one of the few Music Technology programs in the state. Students are given the opportunity to write and produce their own music using their school-issued computers.

• District 7 forged a bold path to eliminate the digital divide among students and implemented a dynamic 1:1 technology program that put mobile devices in the hands of every student in the District in grades 2-12. Cited by The League of Innovative Schools, Apple, Inc., and Future Ready Schools for its best practice efforts, the District’s commitment to blended and digital learning continues to advance student outcomes.

• District 7 has a proud history of excellence in athletics. Today, more than 1,000 students participate in 24 varsity sports teams at Spartanburg High School.

This is an exciting time in the life of District 7 and thanks to the ongoing involvement and investment of our community, there's much to anticipate in the next chapter of our story.

Click here for an archive of more historic images.