Summary:
Rembert, South Carolina is home to two small elementary schools serving grades Pre-K through 5th grade, with a combined enrollment of just 223 students across Rafting Creek Elementary and West Lee Elementary.
For parents comparing these two schools, the most striking difference is in attendance. West Lee Elementary has an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.7%, which is about six times better than both its own district (Lee 01) at 25.1% and the state average of 22.3%. In contrast, Rafting Creek Elementary has a chronic absenteeism rate of 29.5%, which is 32% higher than the state average. When it comes to spending, West Lee invests a remarkable $30,954 per student (with a 10.8:1 student-teacher ratio), while Rafting Creek spends $20,108 per student (with a 12.2:1 ratio). However, West Lee's last available ranking from 2018-2019 placed it in the 6th percentile statewide, suggesting that high spending has not translated into strong academic outcomes.
Academically, Rafting Creek Elementary is struggling significantly. The school ranks in the bottom 1% of South Carolina elementary schools (641 out of 649 for 2025-2026), and its ranking has declined over the past three years. Test scores show some improvement in 4th grade English Language Arts (rising from 15% to 36.3% proficient), but math and science proficiency remain very low at just 18.1%, compared to state averages above 50%. The school also performs below its already low-performing district (Sumter 01, ranked 67th out of 75 districts). Notably, West Lee lacks recent testing data, making it difficult to assess its current academic standing. Both schools face challenges common to small schools, including limited specialized resources, but West Lee's outstanding attendance record suggests strong family engagement and school culture that parents may find appealing.
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