Greenville County Schools is announcing several key changes as the 2026-27 school year begins — removing grade floors and implementing standards for AI use.
A notable change for the district is the removal of grade floors, or minimum grades, as a result of recent state legislation. In accordance with the new state law, students in Greenville County Schools will no longer earn a minimum grade of 50% when the earned grade is lower.
South Carolina H5073 was signed by Gov. Henry McMaster on May 18, 2026, prohibiting public schools in the state from implementing grade floors. Schools found in violation of the law could have 10% of their state aid withheld.
This same law changes the way public schools in South Carolina are allowed to implement content and credit recovery programs. These programs allow students to demonstrate mastery of specific portions of a previously failed course, rather than retaking the course in full. In Greenville County, these programs will be made available to all students.
Additional changes to school policy for the 2026-27 school year include specific guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in the classroom. Here’s a look at how these changes are being implemented by grade level:
4K—First Grade
Technology Use: Students do not receive individual devices. Classrooms are provided with a limited number of devices to support required state and district assessments.
AI Use: No generative AI use permitted
Grades 2—5
Technology Use: Students are issued a Chromebook for the school year. Device use is limited to required assignments and district-approved instructional applications.
AI Use: No generative AI use permitted
Grades 6—12
Technology Use: Students are issued a Chromebook for the school year to support assessments, research and other activities.
AI Use: Students may use district-approved AI platforms when permitted by the teacher for a specific assignment.
