Best 29203 South Carolina Public Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,891 students in 29203, SC (there are 9 private schools, serving 1,480 private students). 72% of all K-12 students in 29203, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 29203, SC are W.j. Keenan High School, Manning High School and Eau Claire High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).

Best 29203, SC Public Schools (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
W.j. Keenan High School
Magnet School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
361 Pisgah Church Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 714-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 719 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #22.
Manning High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
502 Beckman Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7203
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #33.
Eau Claire High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4800 Monticello Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-7600
Gr: 9-12 | 599 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Pendergrass Fairwold School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5935 Token Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3435
Gr: PK-12 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #55.
Edward E. Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
200 Mcrae Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Gr: PK-5 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Forest Heights Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2500 Blue Ridge Terrace
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 691-3780
Gr: PK-5 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
726 Easter Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Gr: PK-5 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Arden Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1300 Ashley Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 227 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #99.
J. P. Thomas Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
6001 Weston Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Gr: PK-5 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1010.
Hyatt Park Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4200 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Gr: PK-5 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #1111.
Heyward Gibbes Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
500 Summerlea Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2942
Gr: 6-8 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1212.
Alcorn Middle School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5125 Fairfield Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3439
Gr: 6-8 | 384 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 29203 South Carolina

29203, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Hall Institute (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1800 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 898-1488
Gr: K-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
3801 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 929-1140
Gr: K-5 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
3806 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 630-1622
Gr: 6-11 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
610 Faison Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7100
Gr: 7-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
7900 Brookmont Lane
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 419-1348
Gr: 9-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 39:1 Minority enrollment: 87%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in 29203, SC?
The top ranked public schools in 29203, SC include W.j. Keenan High School, Manning High School and Eau Claire High School.
How many public schools are located in 29203?
12 public schools are located in 29203.
What percentage of students in 29203 go to public school?
72% of all K-12 students in 29203 are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public schools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.