Serving 320 students in grades 6-8, W. A. Perry Middle 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 7% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 320 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: W. A. Perry Middle serves the northwest part of Columbia, SC, encompassing an area of approximately 4.4 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
W. A. Perry Middle School's student population of 320 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
320 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
W. A. Perry Middle 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 W. A. Perry Middle School is 0.19, 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
#1094 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Hispanic
3%
15%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Black
90%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
1%
46%
Showing 2012–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)55.9%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 35-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
2%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. View full 17-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W. A. Perry Middle School's ranking?
W. A. Perry Middle School is ranked #1094 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are W. A. Perry Middle School often compared to?
W. A. Perry Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like W. G. Sanders Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend W. A. Perry Middle School?
320 students attend W. A. Perry Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of W. A. Perry Middle School students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of W. A. Perry Middle School?
W. A. Perry Middle School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does W. A. Perry Middle School offer ?
W. A. Perry Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is W. A. Perry Middle School part of?
W. A. Perry Middle School is part of Richland 01 School District.
In what neighborhood is W. A. Perry Middle School located?
W. A. Perry Middle School is located in the Midtown Downtown neighborhood of Columbia, SC. There are 5 other public schools located in Midtown Downtown.
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