Serving 499 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Central Academy Of The Arts ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 499 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Elementary serves the southern part of Central, SC, encompassing an area of approximately 28.5 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of about 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 3.4 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance area and a maximum distance of 5.8 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Academy Of The Arts's student population of 499 students has grown by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
499 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Motto
A School for Visual, Performing and Digital Arts
School Rankings
Central Academy Of The Arts ranks within the top 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Academy Of The Arts is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#489 out of 1118 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
16%
15%
Black
16%
31%
White
56%
46%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.6%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Academy Of The Arts's ranking?
Central Academy Of The Arts is ranked #489 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Central Academy Of The Arts often compared to?
Central Academy Of The Artsis often viewed alongside schools like Clemson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Central Academy Of The Arts?
499 students attend Central Academy Of The Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Central Academy Of The Arts students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Academy Of The Arts?
Central Academy Of The Arts has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Central Academy Of The Arts offer ?
Central Academy Of The Arts offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central Academy Of The Arts part of?
Central Academy Of The Arts is part of Pickens 01 School District.
School Reviews
Review Central Academy Of The Arts. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
