Serving 768 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Merriwether 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 40% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (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 32% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 768 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Merriwether Elementary School's student population of 768 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
768 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Merriwether 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 Merriwether Elementary School is 0.50, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#616 out of 1154 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
8%
13%
Black
17%
31%
White
68%
48%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merriwether Elementary School's ranking?
Merriwether Elementary School is ranked #616 out of 1,154 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Merriwether Elementary School often compared to?
Merriwether Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Douglas Elementary School, W. E. Parker Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% SC state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Merriwether Elementary School?
768 students attend Merriwether Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Merriwether Elementary School students are White, 17% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Merriwether Elementary School?
Merriwether Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Merriwether Elementary School offer ?
Merriwether Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Merriwether Elementary School part of?
Merriwether Elementary School is part of Edgefield 01 School District.
School Reviews
5 12/20/2010
I believe that the school has improved under the new Principal, Mr. Wayne Marchant. He is caring and supportive and very approachable. MES is an excellent school, with the MOST excellent teachers and staff. I have been 110% pleased with everything about the school. The facilities have been improved over the last few years that my child has attended the school. There are new extraurricular activities this year. The PTO is helpful and has raised money to help better the school.
2 9/20/2010
I really like most the teachers and the office staff but I really don't like the new principle for the 2010 school year.
I disagree with the way the school is being run and the attitude he has reguarding students. I think everyone would be better off
If they got rid of him.
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