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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 29203 South Carolina Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,787 students in 29203, SC (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,440 private students). 75% of all K-12 students in 29203, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 29203, SC are W.j. Keenan High School, Manning High School and Eau Claire High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).

Best 29203, SC Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
W.j. Keenan High School
Magnet School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
361 Pisgah Church Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 714-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 675 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #22.
Manning High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
502 Beckman Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7203
Gr: 9-12 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
Rank: #33.
Eau Claire High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4800 Monticello Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-7600
Gr: 9-12 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
Pendergrass Fairwold School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5935 Token Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3435
Gr: K-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
Edward E. Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
200 Mcrae Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Gr: PK-5 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #66.
Forest Heights Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2500 Blue Ridge Terrace
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 691-3780
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
726 Easter Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Gr: PK-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Arden Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1300 Ashley Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
J. P. Thomas Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
6001 Weston Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Gr: PK-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1010.
Hyatt Park Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4200 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Gr: PK-5 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1111.
Heyward Gibbes Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
500 Summerlea Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2942
Gr: 6-8 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1212.
Alcorn Middle School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5125 Fairfield Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3439
Gr: 6-8 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 29203, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in 29203, SC include W.j. Keenan High School, Manning High School and Eau Claire High School.
How many public schools are located in 29203?
12 public schools are located in 29203.
What percentage of students in 29203 go to public school?
75% of all K-12 students in 29203 are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public schools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).

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