For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,664 students in 29170, SC (there are 2 private schools, serving 89 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in 29170, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 29170, SC are Midlands Middle College, Airport High School and Springdale Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 29170 have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 29170, SC have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best 29170, SC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Midlands Middle College
Charter School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1260 Lexington Drive
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-3333
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-3333
Gr: 10-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #22.
Airport High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1315 Boston Avenue
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-5600
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-5600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,272 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #33.
Springdale Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
361 Wattling Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 739-4175
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 739-4175
Gr: PK-5 | 443 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #44.
White Knoll Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
132 White Knoll Way
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 821-4500
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 821-4500
Gr: PK-5 | 615 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
R. H. Fulmer Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1614 Walterboro St.
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-5660
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-5660
Gr: 6-8 | 526 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
White Knoll Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
116 White Knoll Way
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 821-4300
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 821-4300
Gr: 6-8 | 693 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 29170, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in 29170, SC include Midlands Middle College, Airport High School and Springdale Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 29170?
6 public schools are located in 29170.
What percentage of students in 29170 go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in 29170 are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 29170?
29170 public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.