Best Lancaster Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,290 students in Lancaster, SC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lancaster, SC are Buford Middle School, A. R. Rucker Middle School and South Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lancaster, SC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the South Carolina public middle school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Lancaster have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle school average of 52% (majority Black).

Best Public Middle Schools in Lancaster, SC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Buford Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1890 North Rocky River Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8473
Gr: 6-8 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
A. R. Rucker Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
422 Old Dixie Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 416-8555
Gr: 6-8 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
South Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1551 Billings Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8416
Gr: 6-8 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Lancaster, SC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lancaster, SC include Buford Middle School, A. R. Rucker Middle School and South Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Lancaster?
3 public middle schools are located in Lancaster.
What is the racial composition of students in Lancaster?
Lancaster public middle schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle schools average of 52% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Lancaster are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Lancaster include: A. R. Rucker Middle School vs. Buford Middle School, Buford Middle School vs. A. R. Rucker Middle School

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