Columbia’s Schools: A Comprehensive Overview

Columbia, South Carolina is home to over 25 elementary, middle, and high schools, with more than 100,000 students enrolled in various public school districts. For families looking for the right educational fit, here are some key details about the major districts and their individual schools.

Kershaw County School District

This district has 19 schools and approximately 10,856 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Notable schools include:

Blaney Elementary: Enrolling 710 students (PK-5), ranked No. 152 in SC.
North Central Middle School: Hosts 425 students (6-8), ranked No. 68 in SC.
Lugoff-Elgin High School: With 1,744 students (9-12), it ranks No. 91 in SC.

Lexington County School District One

This district comprises 31 schools and serves around 27,766 students with a 13:1 ratio. Top-performing schools include:

Lake Murray Elementary: Enrolls 836 students (PK-5), ranked No. 63 in SC.
Meadow Glen Middle: Hosts 1,020 students (6-8), ranked No. 53 in SC.
River Bluff High School: Enrolling 2,197 students (9-12), ranked No. 18 in SC.

Lexington County School District Two

Comprising 13 schools and serving approximately 8,641 students, the student-teacher ratio is 14:1. Highlights include:

Springdale Elementary: 398 students (PK-5), ranked No. 82 in SC.
R.H. Fulmer Middle: 648 students (6-8), ranked No. 95 in SC.
Brookland-Cayce Senior High: Enrolls 1,171 students (9-12), ranked No. 84 in SC.

Lexington-Richland School District Five

With 23 schools and roughly 17,245 students, this district has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. Noteworthy schools include:

Lake Murray Elementary: 797 students, ranked No. 13 in SC.
Chapin Intermediate: 900 students, ranked No. 74 in SC.
Spring Hill High School: Enrolls 1,089 students, ranked No. 5 in SC.

Richland County School District One

This district features 48 schools with about 22,151 students and a ratio of 12:1. Key institutions include:

Rosewood Elementary: 323 students, ranked No. 17 in SC.
Crayton Middle: 948 students, ranked No. 22 in SC.
Dreher High School: 1,150 students, ranked No. 14 in SC.

Richland County School District Two

With 32 schools, this district serves around 28,303 students with a 14:1 ratio. Top schools include:

E.L. Wright Middle: 1,372 students, ranked No. 5 for elementary.
Blythewood Middle: 862 students, ranked No. 86.
Blythewood High School: Enrolling 2,094 students, ranked No. 28.

Private and Charter Schools

Columbia also offers various private and charter schools. Some of the leading private schools include Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Hammond School, both enrolling over 800 students. For charter options, GREEN Charter School Midlands and East Point Academy stand out.

This information can greatly assist families in choosing the right school. Understanding the student-teacher ratios and school rankings can provide insight into the quality of education in Columbia.