Serving 755 students in grades 6-8, Hand 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 30% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (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 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 755 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Hand Middle serves the west part of Columbia, SC, covering an attendance area of approximately 24.4 square miles. Students typically have a drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the farthest edge of the zone located about 6.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hand Middle School's student population of 755 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 61 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
755 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1929
School Calendar
School Motto
Home of the Hornets, where we THRIVE through trust and honesty in a respectful and diverse culture.
School Rankings
Hand 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 Hand Middle School 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
#759 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
11%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
51%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
31%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-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 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.8%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Hornet
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hand Middle School's ranking?
Hand Middle School is ranked #759 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Hand Middle School often compared to?
Hand Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Crayton Middle School, Blythewood Middle School, Dent Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Hand Middle School?
755 students attend Hand Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Hand Middle School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hand Middle School?
Hand Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hand Middle School offer ?
Hand Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hand Middle School part of?
Hand Middle School is part of Richland 01 School District.
In what neighborhood is Hand Middle School located?
Hand Middle School is located in the Shandon neighborhood of Columbia, SC.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I love hand middle school and all their great teacher and faculty and a cheer for Mr. Burden
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