Columbia Schools: A Comprehensive Overview

Columbia, South Carolina, is home to a vibrant education scene with over 100,000 students enrolled across various school districts. The city features public, private, and charter schools, catering to the diverse needs of families in the area. Here’s an informative glance at the significant school districts in Columbia.

Kershaw County School District

This district includes 19 schools with approximately 10,856 students. The student-teacher ratio is roughly 15:1. Notable schools include:

Blaney Elementary School – Grades PK-5, with an enrollment of 710.
North Central Middle School – Grades 6-8, total enrollment of 425.
Lugoff-Elgin High School – Grades 9-12, serving 1,744 students.

Lexington County School District One

This district has 31 schools and approximately 27,766 students, with a low student-teacher ratio of 13:1. Highlights include:

Lake Murray Elementary – PK-5, total enrollment of 836 students.
Meadow Glen Middle – 6-8, enrolling 1,020.
River Bluff High School – 9-12, with 2,197 students enrolled.

Lexington County School District Two

This district consists of 13 schools and serves around 8,641 students, boasting a ratio of 14:1. Some top schools are:

Springdale Elementary – PK-5, enrollment of 398.
R. H. Fulmer Middle – 6-8, total of 648 students.
Brookland-Cayce High School – 9-12, with 1,171 students.

Lexington-Richland School District Five

This district, which ranks as the No. 1 in the Columbia area, has 23 schools serving about 17,245 students with a strong ratio of 13:1. Notable mentions include:

Lake Murray Elementary – Grades K-4, nearing 797 students.
Chapin Intermediate – For Grades 5-6, with 900 students.
Spring Hill High School – 9-12, total enrollment at 1,089.

Richland County School District One

Containing 48 schools, this district enrolls about 22,151 students with a notable 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Key schools consist of:

Rosewood Elementary – PK-5, with an enrollment of 323 students.
Crayton Middle – Grades 6-8, serving 948 students.
Dreher High School – 9-12, enrolling around 1,150.

Richland County School District Two

This district operates 32 schools with about 28,303 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Noteworthy schools include:

E. L. Wright Middle – K-8, enrolling 1,372 students.
Blythewood Middle – Grades 6-8, enrolling 862.
Blythewood High School – 9-12, with an enrollment of 2,094 students.

Private and Charter Schools

Columbia also offers numerous private and charter schools. Top choices for private education include Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Hammond School, while notable charter schools comprise GREEN Charter School Midlands and East Point Academy.

Choosing the best school for your family in Columbia involves considering several factors such as the student-teacher ratio, enrollment numbers, and the overall reputation of the schools. With plenty of options available, families are sure to find a suitable educational path for their children.