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 Lancaster, SC (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Lancaster Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,290 students in Lancaster, SC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lancaster, SC are Buford Middle School, A. R. Rucker Middle School and South Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lancaster, SC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the South Carolina public middle school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Lancaster have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle school average of 52% (majority Black).

Best Public Middle Schools in Lancaster, SC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Buford Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1890 North Rocky River Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8473
Gr: 6-8 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
A. R. Rucker Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
422 Old Dixie Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 416-8555
Gr: 6-8 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
South Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1551 Billings Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8416
Gr: 6-8 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Lancaster, SC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lancaster, SC include Buford Middle School, A. R. Rucker Middle School and South Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Lancaster?
3 public middle schools are located in Lancaster.
What is the racial composition of students in Lancaster?
Lancaster public middle schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle schools average of 52% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Lancaster are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Lancaster include: A. R. Rucker Middle School vs. Buford Middle School, Buford Middle School vs. A. R. Rucker Middle School

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: