Columbia Schools Overview: What Families Need to Know
Columbia, South Carolina, is home to a rich variety of public, private, and charter schools for families to consider. With over 100,000 students enrolled, the options available can feel overwhelming. However, we’ve gathered essential details about several schools across the city to help you make an informed choice.
Public School Districts Breakdown
Columbia boasts six major public school districts. Here are some key facts:
- Lexington-Richland School District Five ranks No. 1 among all school districts in the Columbia area and is also regarded as the best place to teach in South Carolina.
- Richland School District Two ranks third in the state for schools focused on athletics.
- In Richland County School District One, approximately 71.6% of students are economically disadvantaged.
- The demographics of Lexington County School District Two reveal a diverse student body: 35.3% White, 32.1% Black, 24.7% Hispanic/Latino, and other ethnicities.
Key Schools by District
Here’s a closer look at the top-rated schools in each district:
Kershaw County School District
- Blaney Elementary School (Grades PK-5): 710 students, 15:1 student-teacher ratio.
- North Central Middle School (Grades 6-8): 425 students, 13:1 ratio.
- Lugoff-Elgin High School (Grades 9-12): 1,744 students, 21:1 ratio.
Lexington County School District One
- Lake Murray Elementary (Grades PK-5): 836 students, 15:1 ratio.
- Meadow Glen Middle (Grades 6-8): 1,020 students, 13:1 ratio.
- River Bluff High School (Grades 9-12): 2,197 students, 16:1 ratio.
Richland County School District One
- Rosewood Elementary (Grades PK-5): 323 students, 12:1 ratio.
- Crayton Middle (Grades 6-8): 948 students, 12:1 ratio.
- Dreher High School (Grades 9-12): 1,150 students, 15:1 ratio.
Private and Charter Schools
Columbia also has an array of private and charter schools available. Some notable mentions are:
- Heathwood Hall Episcopal School: Grades PK-12 with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and an annual tuition of approximately $20,000.
- Ben Lippen School: Serving students from Grades PK-12, it has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 and tuition around $17,000.
- GREEN Charter School Midlands: This charter school serves Grades K-8 and has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1.
Conclusion
With so many choices in Columbia, it’s essential for families to research and find the best fit for their children’s education. From public and private to charter schools, there are plenty of options to ensure students receive a quality education in a supportive environment.
