Serving 785 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy 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 15% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 785 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Robert Smalls International Academy serves a central area in Beaufort, SC, encompassing approximately 40.7 square miles. The typical drive to the school is around 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 10.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy's student population of 785 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 71 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
785 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
71 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1925
School Calendar
School Rankings
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy 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 Robert Smalls Leadership Academy is 0.67, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1021 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
31%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
Black
46%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
White
14%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)21.5%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
The Generals
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert Smalls Leadership Academy's ranking?
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy is ranked #1021 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Robert Smalls Leadership Academy often compared to?
Robert Smalls Leadership Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Broad River Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Robert Smalls Leadership Academy?
785 students attend Robert Smalls Leadership Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy students are Black, 31% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy?
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Robert Smalls Leadership Academy offer ?
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Robert Smalls Leadership Academy part of?
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy is part of Beaufort 01 School District.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
I was at Robert Smalls since I was in 3rd grade I have been bullied at this school for years that's why I left this school for 6th grade then was bad for bullying to so don't let your kids go to Robert Smalls is a bad school for bullying they need to end bullying at all schools.
5 10/10/2025
RSIA is a perfect school for me cause I made new friends and family and the staff there is like a real family.
Review Robert Smalls Leadership Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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