For the 2024-25 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 8,953 students in Lancaster, SC (there are 2 private schools, serving 358 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Lancaster, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Lancaster, SC are Buford High School, Indian Land High School and Van Wyck Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lancaster, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Lancaster have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 52% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Lancaster, SC (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Buford High School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4290 Tabernacle Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-7068
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-7068
Grades: 9-12
| 561 students
Rank: #22.
Indian Land High School
Magnet School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6100 Charlotte Hwy
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-8470
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-8470
Grades: 9-12
| 1,678 students
Rank: #33.
Van Wyck Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4945 Charlotte Highway
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 313-6650
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 313-6650
Grades: PK-4
| 790 students
Rank: #44.
Buford Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1906 North Rocky River Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-0026
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 286-0026
Grades: PK-5
| 779 students
Rank: #55.
Discovery Charter Of Lancaster
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
302 West Dunlap Street
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8430
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8430
Grades: K-5
| 114 students
Rank: #66.
North Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1100 Roddey Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-9918
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-9918
Grades: PK-5
| 586 students
Rank: #77.
Mcdonald Green Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2763 Lynwood Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7416
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7416
Grades: K-5
| 336 students
Rank: #88.
Lancaster High School
Magnet School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
625 Woodland Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-2001
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-2001
Grades: 9-12
| 1,463 students
Rank: #99.
Buford Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1890 North Rocky River Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8473
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8473
Grades: 6-8
| 373 students
Rank: #1010.
Erwin Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1477 Locustwood Avenue
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8484
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-8484
Grades: PK-5
| 411 students
Rank: #1111.
South Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1551 Billings Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8416
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8416
Grades: 6-8
| 534 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
A. R. Rucker Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
422 Old Dixie Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 416-8555
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 416-8555
Grades: 6-8
| 519 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Brooklyn Springs Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1637 Billings Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8471
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-8471
Grades: PK-5
| 401 students
Rank: #1414.
Clinton Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 Clinton School Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-5395
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-5395
Grades: PK-5
| 408 students
Rank: n/an/a
Lancaster County School District Career Center
Vocational School
Magnet School
Magnet School
625 Normandy Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 289-4885
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 289-4885
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Lancaster, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Lancaster A V C High School (Closed 2006)
Vocational School
625 Normandy Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7404
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 285-7404
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
500 Hampton Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-3915
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 283-3915
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Lancaster, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Lancaster, SC include Buford High School, Indian Land High School and Van Wyck Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Lancaster?
15 public schools are located in Lancaster.
What percentage of students in Lancaster go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Lancaster are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lancaster?
Lancaster public schools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 52% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Lancaster are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lancaster include: A. R. Rucker Middle School vs. Buford Middle School, Lancaster High School vs. Buford High School, Erwin Elementary School vs. North Elementary School
Recent Articles
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.