Serving 435 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Forest Heights Elementary 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 26% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 435 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Forest Heights Elementary serves the northwest area of Columbia, SC, encompassing approximately 65 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 8 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 11.5 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Forest Heights Elementary School's student population of 435 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
435 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Forest Heights Elementary 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 Forest Heights Elementary School is 0.45, 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
#990 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
18%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Black
72%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
White
4%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.6%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forest Heights Elementary School's ranking?
Forest Heights Elementary School is ranked #990 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Forest Heights Elementary School often compared to?
Forest Heights Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like J. P. Thomas Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Forest Heights Elementary School?
435 students attend Forest Heights Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Forest Heights Elementary School students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Forest Heights Elementary School?
Forest Heights Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Forest Heights Elementary School offer ?
Forest Heights Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Forest Heights Elementary School part of?
Forest Heights Elementary School is part of Richland 01 School District.
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