Summary:
The Lexington 03 district in South Carolina is home to two elementary schools serving grades PK-5 with a combined enrollment of 954 students: Batesburg-Leesville Primary School (grades PK-2) and Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School (grades 3-5). The district ranks 46th out of 75 districts in the state, placing it in the 39th percentile with a 2-star rating.
The two schools present a clear contrast in their biggest challenges. Batesburg-Leesville Primary School has an exceptionally high chronic absenteeism rate of 30.2%, far exceeding the district average of 23.1% and the state average of 22.3%. This is a significant concern for early learners, as missing school in PK-2 can hinder foundational skill development. In contrast, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School has a much lower absenteeism rate of 16.5%, notably better than both district and state averages. Both schools maintain favorable student-teacher ratios of about 12:1, and per-student spending is similar at roughly $16,000-$16,800.
Academically, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School shows a mixed but improving picture. Third-grade ELA proficiency jumped 15 points year-over-year to 57.7%, matching the district average, though 4th and 5th-grade ELA scores (51.5% and 50.7%) remain below state averages. Math proficiency lags across all grades, and science is a significant weakness, with only 30.5% of 4th graders proficient compared to the state's 51.6%. The school's state ranking has improved for two consecutive years, rising from the 18th to the 32nd percentile. Notably, since this is the only school in the district administering SC READY tests for grades 3-5, its performance directly determines the district's overall rating, making its upward trajectory critical for the entire district's standing.
Thank you for your feedback!