For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,563 students in 29204, SC.
The top-ranked public preschools in 29204, SC are Bradley Elementary School, Carver-lyon Elementary School and Watkins-nance Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 29204 have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the South Carolina public pre school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in 29204, SC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschool average of 55% (majority Black).
Best 29204, SC Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Bradley Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3032 Pinebelt Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 738-7200
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 738-7200
Gr: PK-5 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Carver-lyon Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2100 Waverly Street
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 343-2900
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 343-2900
Gr: PK-5 | 417 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #33.
Watkins-nance Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2525 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 733-4321
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 733-4321
Gr: PK-5 | 499 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Burton Pack Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
111 Garden Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 691-5550
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 691-5550
Gr: PK-5 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
29204, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Midlands Math And Business Academy Charter (Closed 2014)
Charter School
2638 Two Notch Rd
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 799-5101
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 799-5101
Gr: 4-8 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
3700 Forrest Drive Suite 406
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 462-0254
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 462-0254
Gr: K-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in 29204, SC?
The top-ranked public preschools in 29204, SC include Bradley Elementary School, Carver-lyon Elementary School and Watkins-nance Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 29204?
4 public preschools are located in 29204.
What is the racial composition of students in 29204?
29204 public preschools minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschools average of 55% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.