Serving 1,059 students in grades 6-8, Dent Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,059 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Dent Middle serves the southwest area of Columbia, SC, encompassing approximately 9.5 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 1.8 miles from the school to the edge of the zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Dent Middle School's student population of 1,059 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 83 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,059 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Dent Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dent Middle School is 0.66, 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
#775 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
6%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
18%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Black
53%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
18%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 35-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
3%
Showing 2013–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dent Middle School's ranking?
Dent Middle School is ranked #775 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Dent Middle School often compared to?
Dent Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like E. L. Wright Middle School, Blythewood Middle School, Hand Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Dent Middle School?
1,059 students attend Dent Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Dent Middle School students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dent Middle School?
Dent Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Dent Middle School offer ?
Dent Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Dent Middle School part of?
Dent Middle School is part of Richland 02 School District.
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![[H - L] Dent Middle School 8th Grade Promotion June 7, 2021](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RdxlU03j9tU/0.jpg)
![[A - Ch] Dent Middle School 8th Grade Promotion June 7, 2021](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zWcJlYxiMSw/0.jpg)
