As the capital city with a population of over 130,000, Columbia has a lot to offer, especially in terms of education. There are many different public schools and private schools in Columbia, SC, for students at all age levels.
Whether it be an elementary school in the city or a boarding school program on the outskirts of town, there are some great choices to consider. This guide to schools in Columbia, SC, highlights the range of schools local families have access to.
Public Schools in the River City
Public schools are the foundation of education in the city. Many of its schools are located near lovely spacious parks and community resources, making for a convenient experience for students and staff alike.
Some have smaller class sizes and a strong academic focus, while others have student populations above 1,000 with lots of extracurriculars and athletics.
All public schools need to meet certain curriculum standards to maintain funding, and typically enrollment is based on the student's residence, with different locations assigned to specific schools.
School Districts
School districts in Columbia lead the way in public education, setting the standards for core classes to ensure students are learning the right curriculum to set them up for promising futures.
The main school districts in the city include Richland County School District One, the state's seventh-largest, serving downtown, Lower Richland and St. Andrews, as well as Lexington County School District Two. Several other county school districts provide quality education to families.
High Schools Around the Area
High school offers students the chance to pick from a variety of courses as they prepare for college and careers in adulthood.
Introductory classes to business, marketing, and similar subject areas are a few of the possibilities for high school in addition to the core reading, history and math classes. The curriculum and amount of homework increases in high school, but Columbia's districts offer adequate support and resources to keep students on the right path.
High schools throughout the area include Spring Valley High School, Columbia High School and Ridge View High School.
Youth-Focused Middle Schools
Moving on to middle school is an exciting moment for soon-to-be teens, as this is when students get more freedom at school and can start exploring new subjects.
This stepping stone to high school is a big milestone, and some of the most popular schools in the city are Dent Middle School, St. Andrews Middle School and Hand Middle School. All middle schools in Columbia should enable students to grow academically and also try new hobbies or sports to inspire their futures.
Elementary Schools for Preschool – 5th Grade
Elementary schools in Columbus and surrounding areas offer kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Children learn valuable life skills and develop their worldviews during this time, which is why it's important to find a school that makes both the student and their families feel comfortable.
Columbia teachers can make a huge difference in the lives of their students at Brockman Elementary School, Sandlapper Elementary School and Arden Elementary School, among many others in the local area.
Private Schools: Small Class Sizes
Some parents prefer the idea of private schools over public ones, even if there is a significant price tag involved. Much of this may have to do with the average ratio of students to teachers in American private schools, which is 11 to 9.
Meanwhile, public schools have a ratio of 16 students for every two teachers. Hammond Private Schools are a popular example of Columbia private schools, which are known for elite academic and athletic programs. Tuition assistance for private schools may be available.
Columbia’s Christian Schools
Oftentimes families with strong religious backgrounds are interested in private schools of the same religion.
Columbia, SC, has a variety of Catholic schools, as well as Grace Christian School as part of the Grace Baptist Church and Monroe County Christian School. These schools usually include theology components and have a strong sense of community with family and fellow churchgoers involved.
Charter Schools for Children
Columbia charter schools are another option for childhood education. These are public schools that are not part of a school district but rather contracted directly with local or state boards.
Government funding supports the independent operation of these schools and parents may appreciate the chance for a more unique educational experience, especially if their kids have struggled in the traditional public school setting. South Carolina has a public charter school district, including several options in the Midlands region covering Columbia.
Boarding Schools: A Variety of Options
Boarding schools have been popular for decades, with a long-standing reputation in the community for preparing students to be their best.
Therapeutic boarding schools are located on both sides of the city. There are coed facilities such as the Ben Lippen School and Wolf Creek Academy. Residential treatment options and religious affiliations are possibilities when looking into boarding schools.
Keep Learning Top-of-Mind: Summer Schools
Students who may need some extra help with reading, writing, geography, mathematics, or other subjects may benefit from Columbia summer schools.
There are summer school options at public and private institutions, with teachers and support staff on hand to ensure students get the most out of their additional schooling. Some teachers may recommend summer school programming for students who are struggling with specific subject areas.
Keep this guide to schools in Columbia handy when researching education options for the greater Columbia area. It's important to do further research by visiting these schools to narrow down the list and come up with the best schools for your family situation.