For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,649 students in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Midtown Downtown are Carver-lyon Elementary School, Clear Dot Charter School and Watkins-nance Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 13% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #22.
Clear Dot Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2015 Marion Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 567-3075
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 567-3075
Gr: PK-10 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #33.
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 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
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 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
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 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia, SC include Carver-lyon Elementary School, Clear Dot Charter School and Watkins-nance Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia?
5 public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia?
the neighborhood of Midtown Downtown, Columbia public elementary schools minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Helping Children Overcome First-Week School Anxiety
Learn practical strategies to help children overcome first-week school anxiety, with expert-backed tips for parents and educators.
Public School Immunization Requirements 2026–2027
Learn public school immunization and health requirements for 2026–2027, including vaccines, exemptions, and state policy updates.
Public Schools in a Minute: 2026 Snapshot Guide
A clear 2026 snapshot of public schools in the U.S., including enrollment, funding, trends, and what families should know.