Serving 845 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Waterway Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 845 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 56% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Waterway Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Waterway Elementary School's student population of 845 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
845 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
School Rankings
Waterway Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Waterway Elementary School is 0.67, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#369 out of 1118 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
17%
14%
Black
18%
31%
White
51%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waterway Elementary School's ranking?
Waterway Elementary School is ranked #369 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Waterway Elementary School often compared to?
Waterway Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ocean Drive Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Waterway Elementary School?
845 students attend Waterway Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Waterway Elementary School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waterway Elementary School?
Waterway Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waterway Elementary School offer ?
Waterway Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Waterway Elementary School part of?
Waterway Elementary School is part of Horry 01 School District.
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