For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 1,889 students in 29203, SC.
The top-ranked public preschools in 29203, SC are Edward E. Taylor Elementary School, Forest Heights Elementary School and A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the South Carolina public pre school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschool average of 55% (majority Black).
Best 29203, SC Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Edward E. Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
200 Mcrae Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Gr: PK-5 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #22.
Forest Heights Elementary School
(Math: 26% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
726 Easter Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Gr: PK-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Arden Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Ashley Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
J. P. Thomas Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6001 Weston Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Gr: PK-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in 29203, SC?
The top-ranked public preschools in 29203, SC include Edward E. Taylor Elementary School, Forest Heights Elementary School and A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 29203?
6 public preschools are located in 29203.
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public preschools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschools average of 55% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.