For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,891 students in 29203, SC (there are 9 private schools, serving 1,483 private students). 72% of all K-12 students in 29203, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 29203, SC are W.j. Keenan High School, Manning High School and Pendergrass Fairwold School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best 29203, SC Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
W.j. Keenan High School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
361 Pisgah Church Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 714-2500
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 714-2500
Grades: 9-12
| 719 students
Rank: #22.
Manning High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
502 Beckman Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7203
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7203
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: #33.
Pendergrass Fairwold School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5935 Token Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3435
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3435
Grades: PK-12
| 56 students
Rank: #44.
Eau Claire High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4800 Monticello Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-7600
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-7600
Grades: 9-12
| 599 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Forest Heights Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2500 Blue Ridge Terrace
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 691-3780
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 691-3780
Grades: PK-5
| 433 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
J. P. Thomas Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
6001 Weston Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Grades: PK-5
| 302 students
Rank: #77.
Arden Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Ashley Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Grades: PK-5
| 227 students
Rank: #88.
Edward E. Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
200 Mcrae Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Grades: PK-5
| 222 students
Rank: #99.
A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
726 Easter Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Grades: PK-5
| 353 students
Rank: #1010.
Hyatt Park Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4200 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Grades: PK-5
| 333 students
Rank: #1111.
Alcorn Middle School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5125 Fairfield Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3439
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3439
Grades: 6-8
| 384 students
Rank: #1212.
Heyward Gibbes Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
500 Summerlea Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2942
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2942
Grades: 6-8
| 263 students
29203, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Hall Institute (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1800 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 898-1488
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 898-1488
Grades: K-12
| 28 students
3801 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 929-1140
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 929-1140
Grades: K-5
| 132 students
Midlands Arts Conservatory (Closed 2023)
Charter School
3806 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 630-1622
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 630-1622
Grades: 6-11
| 166 students
Morris Village High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
610 Faison Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7100
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7100
Grades: 7-12
| 20 students
Richland Two Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
7900 Brookmont Lane
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 419-1348
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 419-1348
Grades: 9-12
| 39 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 29203, SC?
The top ranked public schools in 29203, SC include W.j. Keenan High School, Manning High School and Pendergrass Fairwold School.
How many public schools are located in 29203?
12 public schools are located in 29203.
What percentage of students in 29203 go to public school?
72% of all K-12 students in 29203 are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public schools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
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