Top 10 Best Sumter Public Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 21 public schools serving 13,104 students in Sumter, SC (there are 10 private schools, serving 1,931 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Sumter, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Sumter, SC are Crestwood High School, Alice Drive Elementary School and Millwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sumter, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Sumter have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Sumter, SC (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Crestwood High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2000 Oswego Road
Sumter, SC 29153
(803) 469-6200
Grades: 9-12
| 1,117 students
Rank: #22.
Alice Drive Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
251 Alice Drive
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-0857
Grades: PK-5
| 551 students
Rank: #33.
Millwood Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
24 Pinewood Road
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-0648
Grades: PK-5
| 666 students
Rank: #44.
Sumter High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2580 Mccrays Mill Road
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 481-4480
Grades: 9-12
| 2,214 students
Rank: #55.
Lakewood High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
350 Old Manning Road
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 506-2700
Grades: 9-12
| 1,016 students
Rank: #66.
Wilder Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
975 South Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 773-5723
Grades: PK-5
| 325 students
Rank: #77.
Alice Drive Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
40 Miller Road
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-0821
Grades: 6-8
| 778 students
Rank: #88.
Pocalla Springs Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2060 Bethel Church Road
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 481-5800
Grades: PK-5
| 643 students
Rank: #99.
Kingsbury Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
825 Kingsbury Road
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 775-6244
Grades: PK-5
| 584 students
Rank: #1010.
Lemira Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
952 Fulton Street
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-0658
Grades: PK-5
| 369 students
Rank: #1111.
Furman Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3400 Bethel Church Road
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 481-8519
Grades: 6-8
| 669 students
Rank: #1212.
Cherryvale Elementary School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1420 Furman Drive
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 494-8200
Grades: PK-5
| 478 students
Rank: #1313.
Bates Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
715 Estate Street
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-0711
Grades: 6-8
| 525 students
Rank: #1414.
Ebenezer Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3440 Ebenezer Road
Sumter, SC 29153
(803) 469-8571
Grades: 6-8
| 349 students
Rank: #1515.
Willow Drive Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
26 Willow Drive
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 773-5796
Grades: PK-5
| 539 students
Rank: #1616.
Crosswell Drive Elementary School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
301 Crosswell Drive
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-0679
Grades: PK-5
| 457 students
Rank: #1717.
R. E. Davis College Preparatory Academy
(Math: 5% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
345 Eastern School Road
Sumter, SC 29153
(803) 495-3247
Grades: PK-8
| 379 students
Rank: #1818.
Chestnut Oaks Middle School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1200 Oswego Road
Sumter, SC 29153
(803) 775-7272
Grades: 6-8
| 357 students
Rank: n/an/a
Liberty Steam Charter School
Charter School
15 Church Street
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 830-5966
Grades: K-3
| 584 students
Rank: n/an/a
Oakland Primary
5415 Oakland Drive
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 499-3366
Grades: PK-1
| 504 students
Rank: n/an/a
Sumter Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
2612 Mccray's Mill Road
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 481-8575
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Sumter, South Carolina

Sumter, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
825 Kingsbury Rd
Sumter, SC 29154
(803) 775-6244
Grades: PK-5
| 694 students
4300 East Brewington Road
Sumter, SC 29153
(803) 495-8014
Grades: 6-8
| 142 students
1200 Oswego Road
Sumter, SC 29153
(803) 934-8286
Grades: 6
| 139 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Sumter, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Sumter, SC include Crestwood High School, Alice Drive Elementary School and Millwood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Sumter?
21 public schools are located in Sumter.
What percentage of students in Sumter go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Sumter are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Sumter?
Sumter public schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Sumter are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.