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 West Columbia, SC (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best West Columbia Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 11,096 students in West Columbia, SC (there are 5 private schools, serving 409 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in West Columbia, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in West Columbia, SC are Gray Collegiate Academy, Midlands Middle College and Airport High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
West Columbia, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in West Columbia have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in West Columbia, SC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gray Collegiate Academy
Charter School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3833 Leaphart Road
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 951-3321
Gr: 6-12 | 935 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Midlands Middle College
Charter School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79% )
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1260 Lexington Drive
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-3333
Gr: 10-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Airport High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1315 Boston Avenue
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-5600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,272 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
East Point Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Elementary Campus
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 926-5180
Gr: PK-8 | 724 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #55.
Springdale Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
361 Wattling Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 739-4175
Gr: PK-5 | 443 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #66.
Saluda River Academy For The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1520 Duke Avenue
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 739-4095
Gr: PK-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #77.
Riverbank Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
160 Cougar Drive
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 936-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 996 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #88.
White Knoll Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
132 White Knoll Way
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 821-4500
Gr: PK-5 | 615 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #99.
Herbert A. Wood Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
737 Pine Ridge Drive
West Columbia, SC 29172
(803) 755-7420
Gr: PK-5 | 938 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1010.
Congaree Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1221 Ramblin' Road
West Columbia, SC 29172
(803) 755-7430
Gr: 2-5 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #1111.
R. H. Fulmer Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1614 Walterboro St.
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-5660
Gr: 6-8 | 526 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #1212.
White Knoll Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
116 White Knoll Way
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 821-4300
Gr: 6-8 | 693 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1313.
Northside Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
157 Cougar Drive
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 739-4190
Gr: 6-8 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1414.
Pine Ridge Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
735 Pine Ridge Drive
West Columbia, SC 29172
(803) 755-7400
Gr: 6-8 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: n/an/a
Lexington Two Innovation Center
Vocational School
715 9th Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 936-5550
Gr: 9-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in West Columbia, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in West Columbia, SC include Gray Collegiate Academy, Midlands Middle College and Airport High School.
How many public schools are located in West Columbia?
16 public schools are located in West Columbia.
What percentage of students in West Columbia go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in West Columbia are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in West Columbia?
West Columbia public schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public schools in West Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?

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:

Most Popular Articles

School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
 School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
 Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
 15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025

More Articles

About Public Schools
Evaluating Public Schools
Opinion
Teaching
Local School Topics