Lakewood High School is a co-educational four-year public high school in Sumter, South Carolina, serving grades 9 through 12. Lakewood is one of only three public high schools in the Sumter School District and enrolls between 1,100 and 1,300 students each year from the southern half of Sumter County.
Serving 1,013 students in grades 9-12, Lakewood High 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 19% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,013 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 68% (Btm 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 68% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lakewood High serves the southwest part of Sumter, SC, covering an area of approximately 269 square miles, where families can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone is about 8.9 miles, with the furthest point being 18.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lakewood High School's student population of 1,013 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,013 students
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
1996
School Calendar
School Motto
This is Gator Nation
School Rankings
Lakewood High 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 Lakewood High School is 0.56, 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
#653 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
6%
15%
Black
59%
31%
White
30%
46%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
68%
83.8%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)50.3%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green and White
School Mascot
Gator
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lakewood High School's ranking?
Lakewood High School is ranked #653 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Lakewood High School often compared to?
Lakewood High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sumter High School, Crestwood High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lakewood High School?
The graduation rate of Lakewood High School is 68%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 83.8%.
How many students attend Lakewood High School?
1,013 students attend Lakewood High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Lakewood High School students are Black, 30% of students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lakewood High School?
Lakewood High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Lakewood High School offer ?
Lakewood High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Lakewood High School part of?
Lakewood High School is part of Sumter 01 School District.
School Reviews
Review Lakewood High 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
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.
