Serving 499 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Watkins-nance 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 15-19% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 499 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Watkins-Nance Elementary serves the northwest part of Columbia, SC, covering an area of approximately 1.4 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 1.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Watkins-nance Elementary School's student population of 499 students has grown by 51% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
499 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Watkins-nance 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 Watkins-nance Elementary School is 0.24, 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
#1006 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
4%
15%
Showing 2007–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Black
87%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
White
2%
46%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.3%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
1%
6%
Showing 2005–2015. Full 14-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 Watkins-nance Elementary School's ranking?
Watkins-nance Elementary School is ranked #1006 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Watkins-nance Elementary School?
499 students attend Watkins-nance Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Watkins-nance Elementary School students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Watkins-nance Elementary School?
Watkins-nance Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Watkins-nance Elementary School offer ?
Watkins-nance Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Watkins-nance Elementary School part of?
Watkins-nance Elementary School is part of Richland 01 School District.
In what neighborhood is Watkins-nance Elementary School located?
Watkins-nance Elementary School is located in the Midtown Downtown neighborhood of Columbia, SC. There are 5 other public schools located in Midtown Downtown.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
i used to go to this school and it was the best school i have ever been to no other teachers that i have had had the same caring and compasion that the teachers here have.
Review Watkins-nance Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
