For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,989 students in 29209, SC (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,193 private students). 61% of all K-12 students in 29209, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 29209, SC are Meadowfield Elementary School, Annie Burnside Elementary School and Mill Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 29209 have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 29209, SC have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best 29209, SC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Meadowfield Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
525 Galway Lane
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 738-5549
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 738-5549
Gr: PK-5 | 615 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #22.
Annie Burnside Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
7300 Patterson Road
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 783-5530
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 783-5530
Gr: PK-5 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Mill Creek Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
925 Universal Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 783-5553
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 783-5553
Gr: PK-5 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
Caughman Road Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7725 Caughman Road
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 783-5534
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 783-5534
Gr: PK-5 | 715 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 29209, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in 29209, SC include Meadowfield Elementary School, Annie Burnside Elementary School and Mill Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 29209?
4 public schools are located in 29209.
What percentage of students in 29209 go to public school?
61% of all K-12 students in 29209 are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 29209?
29209 public schools minority enrollment is 89% 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.