Serving 577 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, James H. Spann Elementary School ranks in the top 30% 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 61% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher 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 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 577 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 61% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: James H. Spann Elementary serves the northeastern part of Summerville, SC, covering an area of approximately 4.7 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 4.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James H. Spann Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
James H. Spann Elementary School's student population of 577 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
577 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
1959
School Calendar
School Motto
We are on the MOVE to be WORLD class!
School Rankings
James H. Spann Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James H. Spann Elementary School is 0.69, which is more 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
#331 out of 1118 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
20%
15%
Black
27%
31%
White
44%
46%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26.9%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James H. Spann Elementary School's ranking?
James H. Spann Elementary School is ranked #331 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are James H. Spann Elementary School often compared to?
James H. Spann Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Nexton Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
61% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend James H. Spann Elementary School?
577 students attend James H. Spann Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of James H. Spann Elementary School students are White, 27% of students are Black, 20% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James H. Spann Elementary School?
James H. Spann Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does James H. Spann Elementary School offer ?
James H. Spann Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James H. Spann Elementary School part of?
James H. Spann Elementary School is part of Dorchester 02 School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This is a great school. Mrs. West is an awesome teacher
Review James H. Spann Elementary School. 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.
