Columbia Schools Overview
Columbia, South Carolina, is home to over 100,000 students, and the city boasts a wide variety of elementary, middle, and high schools. Families in Columbia have numerous choices, whether they are considering public, private, or charter schools for their children.
Public School Districts
Columbia is served by several public school districts, including:
- Kershaw County School District – 19 schools, around 10,856 students, a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
- Lexington County School District One – 31 schools, approximately 27,766 students, 13:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Lexington County School District Two – 13 schools, about 8,641 students, 14:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Lexington-Richland School District Five – 23 schools, 17,245 students, 13:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Richland County School District One – 48 schools, roughly 22,151 students, 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Richland County School District Two – 32 schools, around 28,303 students, 14:1 student-teacher ratio.
School Rankings
According to recent evaluations:
- Lexington-Richland School District Five ranks as the No. 1 district in the area.
- Richland County School District One has a significant number of students facing economic challenges, with 71.6% categorized as economically disadvantaged.
- Richland County School District Two is recognized for its strong athletic programs.
Top Schools in Each District
Here are some top-rated schools from different districts:
- Blaney Elementary School (Kershaw County) – Enrollment: 710, ranked No. 152 in SC.
- River Bluff High School (Lexington County One) – Enrollment: 2,197, ranked No. 18 in SC.
- Blythewood High School (Richland County Two) – Enrollment: 2,094, ranked No. 28 in SC.
Private and Charter Schools
Columbia also offers excellent choices for private education:
- Heathwood Hall Episcopal School – Enrollment: 880, tuition around $20,000.
- Ben Lippen School – Enrollment: 1,154, tuition about $17,000.
Charter Schools
Charter schools in the area include:
- GREEN Charter School Midlands – Enrollment: 302, tuition information available upon request.
- Gray Collegiate Academy – Enrollment: 803, free tuition.
Conclusion
With so many educational options, parents in Columbia can find schools that fit their children’s needs. From public districts that provide support for economically disadvantaged students to esteemed private institutions, there’s a school for every family in Columbia.
