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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 29203 South Carolina Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,568 students in 29203, SC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 29203, SC are Pendergrass Fairwold School, Edward E. Taylor Elementary School and Forest Heights Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 54% (majority Black).

Best 29203, SC Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #4 - 54. - 5.
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: #4 - 54. - 5.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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 elementary schools in 29203, SC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 29203, SC include Pendergrass Fairwold School, Edward E. Taylor Elementary School and Forest Heights Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 29203?
9 public elementary schools are located in 29203.
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 54% (majority Black).

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