Serving 435 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 10-14% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 41%). 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 15:1 is higher 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 53% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 435 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Watkins-nance Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Watkins-nance Elementary School's student population of 435 students has grown by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
435 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Rankings
Watkins-nance Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,154 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
#1038 out of 1154 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
3%
14%
Black
87%
31%
White
1%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
1%
7%
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 Watkins-nance Elementary School's ranking?
Watkins-nance Elementary School is ranked #1038 out of 1,154 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?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% 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?
435 students attend Watkins-nance Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Watkins-nance Elementary School students are Black, 9% 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 Watkins-nance Elementary School?
Watkins-nance Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, 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 2/6/2011
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
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.
What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.
