Best Midtown Downtown Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,753 students in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Midtown Downtown are Carver-lyon Elementary School, Clear Dot Charter School and Watkins-nance Elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 13% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 53% (majority Black).

Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carver-lyon Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2100 Waverly Street
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 343-2900
Gr: PK-5 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #22.
Clear Dot Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2015 Marion Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 567-3075
Gr: PK-10 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #33.
Watkins-nance Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2525 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 733-4321
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
W. A. Perry Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2600 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-6347
Gr: 6-8 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC include Carver-lyon Elementary School, Clear Dot Charter School and Watkins-nance Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia?
5 public elementary 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 elementary schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 53% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.

Quick Links