Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Middle Schools in 29203 (Columbia, SC) (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 29203 South Carolina Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 679 students in 29203, SC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 29203, SC are Pendergrass Fairwold School, Heyward Gibbes Middle School and Alcorn Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 6% (versus the South Carolina public middle school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle school average of 52% (majority Black).

Best 29203, SC Public Middle 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.
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: #33.
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 middle schools in 29203, SC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in 29203, SC include Pendergrass Fairwold School, Heyward Gibbes Middle School and Alcorn Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in 29203?
3 public middle schools are located in 29203.
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public middle schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle schools average of 52% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (SC):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: