Serving 503 students in grades 6-8, W. G. Sanders 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 24% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 503 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 88%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: W. G. Sanders Middle serves the northwest part of the Columbia, SC school district, covering an area of approximately 11.8 square miles. Most students typically reside within a 10-12 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 6.9 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
W. G. Sanders Middle School's student population of 503 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
503 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
W. G. Sanders 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. G. Sanders Middle School is 0.42, 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
#854 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Black
75%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
12%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.2%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
91%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W. G. Sanders Middle School's ranking?
W. G. Sanders Middle School is ranked #854 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are W. G. Sanders Middle School often compared to?
W. G. Sanders Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like W. A. Perry Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend W. G. Sanders Middle School?
503 students attend W. G. Sanders Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of W. G. Sanders Middle School students are Black, 12% of students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of W. G. Sanders Middle School?
W. G. Sanders Middle School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does W. G. Sanders Middle School offer ?
W. G. Sanders Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is W. G. Sanders Middle School part of?
W. G. Sanders Middle School is part of Richland 01 School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
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