Serving 362 students in grades 3-5, Theodore Lester Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 3-5
- Enrollment: 362 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Theodore Lester Elementary School's student population of 362 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
362 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
1981
School Rankings
Theodore Lester Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Theodore Lester Elementary School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#961 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
7%
15%
Black
53%
31%
White
30%
46%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30.7%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Theodore Lester Elementary School's ranking?
Theodore Lester Elementary School is ranked #961 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Theodore Lester Elementary School often compared to?
Theodore Lester Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Henry Timrod Elementary School, Wallace Gregg Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Theodore Lester Elementary School?
362 students attend Theodore Lester Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Theodore Lester Elementary School students are Black, 30% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Theodore Lester Elementary School?
Theodore Lester Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Theodore Lester Elementary School offer ?
Theodore Lester Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Theodore Lester Elementary School part of?
Theodore Lester Elementary School is part of Florence 01 School District.
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