For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,157 students in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC.
The top-ranked public schools in Midtown Downtown are C. A. Johnson High School, Carver-lyon Elementary School and Clear Dot Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 52% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
C. A. Johnson High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2219 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 253-7092
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 253-7092
Gr: 9-12 | 369 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
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 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #33.
Clear Dot Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2015 Marion Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 567-3075
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 567-3075
Gr: PK-10 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #44.
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 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
W. A. Perry Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2600 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-6347
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-6347
Gr: 6-8 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Hyatt Park Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4200 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Gr: PK-5 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC include C. A. Johnson High School, Carver-lyon Elementary School and Clear Dot Charter School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia?
6 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia?
the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia public schools minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Understanding School Safety Policies in 2026
Learn how school safety policies are evolving in 2026, including mental health support, AI monitoring, emergency planning, and parent rights.
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health at School
Practical guidance for parents and educators on supporting child mental health during the school year, with expert strategies and 2026 insights.
What a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction Means in 2026
Understand what a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction means, how schools earn it, and why it matters for academic quality in 2026.