School Information

Community and School Information

McDuffie County is a rural county established in 1870 from Columbia and Warren counties' territories. Originally, it was settled by 200 Quaker families after the Revolutionary War. McDuffie County is 257 square miles and encompasses the cities of Thomson and Dearing. The population, which is near 22,000, is 55.6 percent white and 41.5 percent African-American. The median family income is $47,327; however, nearly 17 percent of families live in poverty.

The original high school was constructed in 1929, a one-story building with a cupola on top. In August 1938, the school burned to the ground after being struck by lightning. The brick from the ruined school was salvaged and used to put up a wall around the football field, which is now known as The Brickyard.  A new high school was built on Whiteoak Road in 1991 and continues to serve the entire county. Thomson High School, accredited by Cognia, is a Title I school. Sixty-eight percent of the student population receives free or reduced lunch.

Data taken from the U.S. Census Bureau

Enrollment

School - 1,019

Senior Class – 231

Curriculum and Special Programs

Thomson High School operates on a block schedule. Prior to the 2017–2018 school year, Thomson High School used a rotating block schedule. Students attended 4-block classes each day on a rotating A day/B day schedule. Credits are earned each semester. Eight courses each year is the maximum course load on block schedule and rotating block schedule.  Beginning in 2017-2018, students are on a 4x4 block schedule and attend four classes each semester earning one unit per class.  

A strong curriculum, including 12 Advanced Placement courses and 19 honors/advanced courses, is available. Students have a large selection of pathway and elective options available in the areas of world language, band, chorus, visual arts, CTAE, and physical education.