For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 703 students in Dorchester, SC.
The top-ranked public elementary school in Dorchester, SC is Harleyville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dorchester, SC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Dorchester have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Dorchester, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harleyville Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1650 East Main Street
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 462-7671
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 462-7671
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: n/an/a
4044 Highway 78
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-3171
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-3171
Gr: 6-8 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Dorchester, SC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dorchester, SC include Harleyville Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Dorchester?
2 public elementary schools are located in Dorchester.
What is the racial composition of students in Dorchester?
Dorchester public elementary schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary 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.