Patrick McCreless
March 13, 2024 at 6:00 AM
ALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ/TNS
Parents typically monitor their child’s academic progress through report cards, but what about evaluating the school’s performance as a whole?
One platform aims to address this gap. This online tool gathers information on K-5 educational institutions across the United States to assist students and families in making informed enrollment decisions. Recently, it published a list ranking 716 public elementary schools in South Carolina for the year 2024.
Dominating the state, Fort Mill boasts six schools within the top 10 positions, while Tega Cay claims two spots in the same tier.
The rankings are meticulously crafted based on a comprehensive analysis of vital metrics and a plethora of reviews from both students and parents. Drawing from data provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Niche’s website indicates that the ranking criteria encompass various factors such as state test performance, graduation rates, teacher quality, and overall school diversity.
Here is a compilation of the top 10 public elementary schools in South Carolina, as determined by Niche. For the complete list of South Carolina schools, please refer to the provided link.
#1 Gold Hill Elementary School
Gold Hill Elementary School accommodates 894 students spanning grades K-5, maintaining a commendable student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, as reported by Niche. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, with 78% proficiency in math and 77% in reading based on state assessments. Additionally, it secures the 20th position for the best public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#2 Pleasant Knoll Elementary School
Enrolling 810 students across grades K-5, Pleasant Knoll Elementary School upholds a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, according to Niche. Academic data reveals that 74% of students exhibit proficiency in math, while 68% excel in reading. The institution also ranks 24th for the quality of public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#3 Orchard Park Elementary School
With 735 students enrolled in grades K-5 and a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, Orchard Park Elementary School stands out in academic performance. State assessments indicate that 73% of students excel in math and 77% in reading. Furthermore, the school secures the 10th spot for the best public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#4 Doby’s Bridge Elementary School
Doby’s Bridge Elementary School caters to 717 students in grades K-5, boasting a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, as per Niche’s data. The school’s academic prowess is evident, with 75% proficiency in math and 72% in reading based on state evaluations. It also ranks 23rd for the quality of public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#5 Tega Cay Elementary School
Tega Cay Elementary School enrolls 705 students from grades K-5, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, as reported by Niche. The school showcases strong academic performance, with 77% proficiency in math and 72% in reading according to state assessments. It also secures the 25th position for the best public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#6 Fort Mill Elementary School
Fort Mill Elementary School accommodates 745 students across PK and K-5, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, as indicated by Niche. State test results show that 63% of students demonstrate proficiency in math and 64% in reading. The school also secures the 28th position for the best public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#7 Sugar Creek Elementary School
With 776 students enrolled in PK and K-5 and a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, Sugar Creek Elementary School emphasizes academic excellence. State assessments reveal that 55% of students excel in math and 61% in reading. Additionally, the school ranks 22nd for the most diverse public elementary schools in South Carolina.
#8 Lake Murray Elementary School
Lake Murray Elementary School enrolls 797 students across grades K-4, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Academic data highlights the school’s strong performance, with 78% proficiency in math and 82% in reading. It also secures the fourth position for the best public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#9 Oak Pointe Elementary School
Oak Pointe Elementary School caters to 525 students spanning PK and K-5, with a student-teacher ratio of 14-1, as reported by Niche. Academic assessments indicate that 63% of students exhibit proficiency in math and 62% in reading. The school also ranks third for the best public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.
#10 Riverview Elementary School
Riverview Elementary School has 601 students in PK and K-5, with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1, according to Niche. State test results show that 51% of students are proficient in math and 59% in reading. The school also secures the 14th position for the best public elementary school teachers in South Carolina.