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 Schools in 29223 (Columbia, SC) (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 29223 South Carolina Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 6,336 students in 29223, SC (there are 4 private schools, serving 1,058 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in 29223, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 29223, SC are Richland Northeast High School, Sc Whitmore School and L. B. Nelson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 29223 have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 29223, SC have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).

Best 29223, SC Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Richland Northeast High School
Magnet School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
7500 Brookfield Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 699-2800
Gr: 9-12 | 1,340 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #22.
Sc Whitmore School
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
501 Commerce Drive Ne
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 476-6416
Gr: 9-12 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
L. B. Nelson Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
225 North Brickyard Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 736-8730
Gr: PK-5 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #44.
Polo Road Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1250 Polo Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 419-2226
Gr: PK-5 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #55.
E. L. Wright Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2740 Alpine Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 736-8740
Gr: K-8 | 1,275 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #66.
Joseph Keels Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
7500 Springcrest Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 736-8754
Gr: PK-5 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Jackson Creek Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
7150 Trenholm Road Extension
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 790-3800
Gr: PK-5 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
Windsor Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
9800 Dunbarton Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 736-8723
Gr: PK-5 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #99.
L. W. Conder Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
8040 Hunt Club Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 736-8720
Gr: PK-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 29223, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in 29223, SC include Richland Northeast High School, Sc Whitmore School and L. B. Nelson Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 29223?
9 public schools are located in 29223.
What percentage of students in 29223 go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in 29223 are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 29223?
29223 public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (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: