Columbia’s Schools: A Look at Public, Private, and Charter Options

Columbia’s Schools: A Look at Public, Private, and Charter Options

Columbia, South Carolina, is home to over 100,000 students attending various elementary, middle, and high schools across multiple districts. Parents looking for the right educational fit for their children have a plethora of options. Here’s an overview of some of the schools you can find in Columbia.

Public School Districts

Columbia features several public school districts, which have been ranked based on performance and support for both students and teachers. In Lexington-Richland School District Five, the top-rated district, parents can find quality education with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. This district also holds the title for being the Best School District in the Columbia Area. River Bluff High School and Lake Murray Elementary stand out in this district.

Meanwhile, Richland County School District One serves around 22,151 students with a focused student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Dreher High School is particularly noted for its academic excellence in this district.

Kershaw County School District

This district has 19 schools catering to about 10,856 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Notable schools include Blaney Elementary and Lugoff-Elgin High School, which maintain strong enrollment figures.

Private Schools in Columbia

Columbia is also home to several private schools that provide alternative educational options. Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Hammond School are ranked among the top private institutions in South Carolina with a tuition of around $20,000. Both schools offer robust educational experiences from preschool through 12th grade.

Charter Schools

For families interested in charter schools, Columbia has a diverse range of options. East Point Academy and GREEN Charter School Midlands serve various educational needs while being among the top charter schools in the state.

Demographics and Economic Influence

Richland County also has significant demographics to consider, with 71.6% of students in Richland County School District One identified as economically disadvantaged. This information can help guide parents in understanding the community’s educational landscape.

Columbia’s diverse school system offers choices that can suit many educational preferences and needs. From public districts to private institutions, families continue to find ways to support their children’s educational journeys, creating a rich tapestry of learning in the Capital City.