For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 4,058 students in 29204, SC (there are 5 private schools, serving 554 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in 29204, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 29204, SC are A. C. Flora High School, C. A. Johnson High School and Bradley Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 29204 have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 29204, SC have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best 29204, SC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
A. C. Flora High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1 Falcon Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 738-7300
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 738-7300
Gr: 9-12 | 1,328 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #22.
C. A. Johnson High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2219 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 253-7092
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 253-7092
Gr: 9-12 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Bradley Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3032 Pinebelt Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 738-7200
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 738-7200
Gr: PK-5 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Carver-lyon Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2100 Waverly Street
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 343-2900
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 343-2900
Gr: PK-5 | 417 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #55.
W. G. Sanders Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3455 Pine Belt Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 735-7575
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 735-7575
Gr: 6-8 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #66.
Watkins-nance Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2525 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 733-4321
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 733-4321
Gr: PK-5 | 499 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Burton Pack Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
111 Garden Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 691-5550
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 691-5550
Gr: PK-5 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #88.
W. A. Perry Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2600 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-6347
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-6347
Gr: 6-8 | 320 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
Samuel A. Heyward Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
3560 Lynhaven Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 735-3343
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 735-3343
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 29204, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in 29204, SC include A. C. Flora High School, C. A. Johnson High School and Bradley Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 29204?
10 public schools are located in 29204.
What percentage of students in 29204 go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in 29204 are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 29204?
29204 public schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (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.
