Columbia Schools Overview: A Guide for Families
Columbia, South Carolina, is home to a diverse range of schools catering to over 100,000 students across various districts. Parents making educational choices for their children can find useful insights about public, private, and charter schools in the area. Below is an outline of the major school districts and some of their standout schools.
Kershaw County School District
This district comprises 19 schools and around 10,856 students, with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1. Noteworthy schools include:
- Blaney Elementary School: Total enrollment is 710 with a ranking of No. 152 in South Carolina.
- North Central Middle School: With 425 students, it ranks No. 68 among middle schools.
- Lugoff-Elgin High School: Enrolling 1,744 students, it is ranked No. 91 among high schools.
Lexington County School District One
This district consists of 31 schools and serves roughly 27,766 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. Highlights include:
- Lake Murray Elementary: Enrolling 836, it ranks No. 63 in South Carolina.
- Meadow Glen Middle: With 1,020 students, it ranks No. 53 among middle schools.
- River Bluff High School: This high school has an enrollment of 2,197 and ranks No. 18.
Richland County School District One
Having 48 schools and about 22,151 students, this district boasts a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Key schools include:
- Rosewood Elementary: Total enrollment stands at 323, ranking No. 17 in the state.
- Crayton Middle: Enrolling 948, it ranks No. 22.
- Dreher High School: With 1,150 students, this school is No. 14 among high schools in South Carolina.
Private and Charter Schools
Columbia offers a variety of private schools, with top institutions such as:
- Heathwood Hall Episcopal School: Enrolls 880 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.
- Camden Military Academy: It serves students from 7-12 grades with an enrollment of 285.
Charter schools also play an important role in education here. Noteworthy options include:
- GREEN Charter School Midlands: Catering to 302 students and known for its low student-teacher ratio of 10:1.
- Gray Collegiate Academy: Enrolls 803 and aims to provide a unique educational experience.
Conclusion
Parents in Columbia have a wide range of schools to choose from, whether they are looking at public, private, or charter options. Each district offers different opportunities, allowing families to find the right fit for their children’s needs. The varied demographics and school types serve to enrich the educational landscape of this vibrant city.
