For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 9,018 students in Lancaster, SC (there are 2 private schools, serving 358 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Lancaster, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Lancaster, SC are Buford High School, Indian Land High School and Van Wyck Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lancaster, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Lancaster have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Lancaster, SC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Buford High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4290 Tabernacle Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-7068
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-7068
Grades: 9-12
| 554 students
Rank: #22.
Indian Land High School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6100 Charlotte Hwy
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-8470
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-8470
Grades: 9-12
| 1,821 students
Rank: #33.
Van Wyck Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4945 Charlotte Highway
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 313-6650
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 313-6650
Grades: PK-4
| 819 students
Rank: #44.
Buford Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1906 North Rocky River Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-0026
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-0026
Grades: PK-5
| 758 students
Rank: #55.
Discovery Charter Of Lancaster
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
302 West Dunlap Street
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8430
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8430
Grades: K-5
| 130 students
Rank: #66.
North Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1100 Roddey Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-9918
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-9918
Grades: PK-5
| 618 students
Rank: #77.
Mcdonald Green Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2763 Lynwood Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7416
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7416
Grades: PK-5
| 335 students
Rank: #88.
Lancaster High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
625 Woodland Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-2001
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-2001
Grades: 9-12
| 1,393 students
Rank: #99.
Buford Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1890 North Rocky River Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8473
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8473
Grades: 6-8
| 368 students
Rank: #1010.
Erwin Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1477 Locustwood Avenue
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8484
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8484
Grades: PK-5
| 419 students
Rank: #1111.
South Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1551 Billings Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8416
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8416
Grades: 6-8
| 492 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
A. R. Rucker Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
422 Old Dixie Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 416-8555
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 416-8555
Grades: 6-8
| 513 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Brooklyn Springs Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1637 Billings Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8471
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8471
Grades: PK-5
| 393 students
Rank: #1414.
Clinton Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 Clinton School Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-5395
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-5395
Grades: PK-5
| 405 students
Rank: n/an/a
Lancaster County School District Career Center
Vocational School
625 Normandy Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 289-4885
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 289-4885
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Lancaster, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Lancaster A V C High School (Closed 2006)
Vocational School
625 Normandy Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7404
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7404
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
500 Hampton Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-3915
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-3915
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Lancaster, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Lancaster, SC include Buford High School, Indian Land High School and Van Wyck Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Lancaster?
15 public schools are located in Lancaster.
What percentage of students in Lancaster go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Lancaster are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lancaster?
Lancaster public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Lancaster are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lancaster include: A. R. Rucker Middle School vs. Buford Middle School, Lancaster High School vs. Buford High School, Erwin Elementary School vs. North Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
