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Satchel Ford Elementary

Public Grades K-5

63^rd

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 649 South Carolina Elementary Schools

Better than 90% of South Carolina elementary schools

Summary

Satchel Ford Elementary is a top-rated K-5 school in Columbia, SC, serving 721 students within the Richland 01 school district. This school has earned a 5-star rating and consistently ranks in the top 10% of elementary schools statewide, making it a standout choice for families in the area.

Academically, Satchel Ford is a powerhouse. Proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math range from 70% to 88% across all grade levels—roughly 20 to 40 percentage points higher than the district average and 15 to 30 points higher than the state average. For example, 5th-grade math proficiency sits at 81.9%, compared to just 40.8% for the district. This level of performance puts Satchel Ford on par with nearby Brockman Elementary, which is only 0.7 miles away, and far ahead of schools like A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary or Arden Elementary, where proficiency often falls below 50%. The school also boasts an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of just 9.5%, compared to 26.7% for the district and 22.3% for the state. This suggests a highly engaged student body and strong family-school connections.

Satchel Ford is particularly effective with its Gifted and Talented program, which ranks 3rd in the entire state, and its female students rank in the 97th percentile statewide. However, there are areas for growth. The school's effectiveness with male students (76th percentile) and African American students (52nd percentile) is notably lower than its overall ranking, indicating an achievement gap within the school. Additionally, while Satchel Ford and Brockman achieve similar excellent outcomes, Brockman spends nearly double per student ($29,849 vs. $16,843), suggesting Satchel Ford is exceptionally efficient with its resources. For families seeking a consistently high-performing school with a strong academic culture, Satchel Ford is a reliable and excellent choice.

721

Students ?

15.1

Student/teacher ratio ?

$16,843

Per pupil spending ?

100%

Free/discounted lunch ?

5901 Satchel Ford Road
Columbia, SC 29206

(803) 738-7209

District: Richland 01

Students who attend Satchel Ford Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	Crayton Middle
High:	A. C. Flora High

Racial breakdown:

White:

69.2%

African American:

20.9%

Two or more races:

5.1%

See top rated South Carolina elementary schools

Compare Satchel Ford Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 89th percentile in 2016 → 90th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the South Carolina average (78% vs 58% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 10% of South Carolina elementary schools

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Richland 01

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school78%

District avg50%

South Carolina avg58%

63^rd of 649

South Carolina public elementary schools ?

Top 10%▲ up 2 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of South Carolina Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

3^rd of 27Elementary Schools in the Richland 01

55^th of 75Richland 01 among South Carolina districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	88.7	63 of 649	90.3%	★★★★★
2025	88.2	61 of 640	90.5%	★★★★★
2024	89.9	54 of 638	91.5%	★★★★★
2023	88.0	77 of 644	88.0%	★★★★☆
2022	89.1	63 of 625	89.9%	★★★★★
2021	88.4	67 of 622	89.2%	★★★★☆
2019	90.1	50 of 643	92.2%	★★★★★
2018	86.7	65 of 624	89.6%	★★★★☆
2017	83.8	86 of 639	86.5%	★★★★☆
2016	85.4	71 of 619	88.5%	★★★★☆
2015	85.7	55 of 638	91.4%	★★★★★
2014	80.4	88 of 630	86.0%	★★★★☆
2013	80.2	88 of 599	85.3%	★★★★☆
2012	81.7	67 of 594	88.7%	★★★★☆
2011	81.5	82 of 597	86.3%	★★★★☆
2010	80.2	92 of 589	84.4%	★★★★☆
2009	89.0	25 of 580	95.7%	★★★★★
2008	78.8	90 of 577	84.4%	★★★★☆
2007	78.7	94 of 566	83.4%	★★★★☆
2006	77.5	94 of 559	83.2%	★★★★☆
2005	73.4	128 of 557	77.0%	★★★★☆
2004	81.4	75 of 550	86.4%	★★★★☆
2003	84.3	58 of 542	89.3%	★★★★☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	48.7	181 of 379	52.2%	★★★☆☆
2025	42.9	225 of 381	40.9%	★★☆☆☆
2023	46.7	203 of 394	48.5%	★★☆☆☆
2022	64.1	109 of 393	72.3%	★★★★☆
2021	81.2	28 of 350	92.0%	★★★★★
2019	81.1	47 of 421	88.8%	★★★★☆
2018	66.0	108 of 412	73.8%	★★★★☆

Disabled

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2021	27.5	91 of 122	25.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	82.9	17 of 161	89.4%	★★★★★

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	94.8	16 of 589	97.3%	★★★★★
2025	92.0	25 of 581	95.7%	★★★★★
2024	90.2	38 of 565	93.3%	★★★★★
2023	89.0	55 of 580	90.5%	★★★★★
2022	86.0	74 of 573	87.1%	★★★★☆
2021	87.1	64 of 554	88.4%	★★★★☆
2019	86.3	60 of 588	89.8%	★★★★☆
2018	83.5	80 of 570	86.0%	★★★★☆

Gifted and Talented

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	74.8	3 of 91	96.7%	★★★★★
2021	74.4	23 of 147	84.4%	★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	64.2	201 of 624	67.8%	★★★☆☆
2025	67.4	171 of 613	72.1%	★★★★☆
2024	61.0	226 of 599	62.3%	★★★☆☆
2023	52.7	270 of 608	55.6%	★★★☆☆
2022	63.3	201 of 600	66.5%	★★★☆☆
2021	71.7	144 of 580	75.2%	★★★★☆
2019	77.3	97 of 600	83.8%	★★★★☆
2018	56.1	241 of 588	59.0%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	74.4	142 of 583	75.6%	★★★★☆
2025	76.8	125 of 586	78.7%	★★★★☆
2024	86.5	66 of 568	88.4%	★★★★☆
2023	81.7	92 of 582	84.2%	★★★★☆
2022	89.8	48 of 579	91.7%	★★★★★
2021	85.5	71 of 561	87.3%	★★★★☆
2019	90.5	44 of 590	92.5%	★★★★★
2018	86.6	64 of 571	88.8%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	South Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	90.5	18 of 454	96.0%	★★★★★
2025	91.7	15 of 460	96.7%	★★★★★
2024	90.5	18 of 441	95.9%	★★★★★
2023	90.5	20 of 463	95.7%	★★★★★
2022	92.3	20 of 455	95.6%	★★★★★
2021	93.1	18 of 439	95.9%	★★★★★
2019	93.3	6 of 472	98.7%	★★★★★
2018	90.7	24 of 457	94.7%	★★★★★

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Female (2026)97th percentile+7 vs school

Gifted and Talented (2026)97th percentile+6 vs school

White (2026)96th percentile+6 vs school

Male (2026)76th percentile-15 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)68th percentile-23 vs school

African American (2026)52nd percentile-38 vs school

Disabled (2021)25th percentile-64 vs school

By subject vs South Carolina (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts82%+18 vs state

Mathematics75%+21 vs state

Science75%+23 vs state

5.0

2 ratings · 2 written reviews

5★2

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a teacher
Saturday, July 30, 2016

Satchel Ford is an outstanding elementary school thanks to devoted teachers and an outstanding PTO. Although I retired teaching a few years ago, I continue to volunteer in various schools. Satchel Ford is still #1 on my list. Close Quote

by a citizen
Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I am amazed at the quality of teachers at this school and their sincere caring spirit for the children under their care. Kudos to the principal,Mrs. Jordan, and Mrs. Starnes whom I know and respect. Close Quote

Schools Near Satchel Ford Elementary

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				SC READY English Language Arts (2026)			SC READY Mathematics (2026)			SC READY Science (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	SC READY English Language Arts 3rd Grade	SC READY English Language Arts 4th Grade	SC READY English Language Arts 5th Grade	SC READY Mathematics 3rd Grade	SC READY Mathematics 4th Grade	SC READY Mathematics 5th Grade	SC READY Science 4th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures: Total	Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Non-Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Personnel Spending from State and Local Funds	Non-Personnel from State and Local Funds	Sub-total Spending from State and Local Funds
Satchel Ford Elementary	Public	K-5	5901 Satchel Ford Road	Columbia	29206	Richland County	Richland 01	No	No	No	No	(803) 738-7209	721	48	15.1		499 (69.2%)	151 (20.9%)	34 (4.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	37 (5.1%)	88.7	63^rd of 649 public elementary schools	90.3%		88.2	61^st of 640 public elementary schools	90.5%	2	75.8	83.6	87.9	70.3	72.4	81.9	74.6	$16,843	$2,148	$1,176	$3,325	$11,759	$1,759	$13,518
Brockman Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	2245 Montclair Drive	Columbia	29206	Richland County	Richland 01	No	No	No	No	(803) 790-6743	297	21	14.1		207 (69.7%)	34 (11.4%)	21 (7.1%)	15 (5.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (6.7%)	95.9	18^th of 649 public elementary schools	97.2%		86.5	73^rd of 640 public elementary schools	88.6%	55	91.9	90.9		80.6	84.9	76.6	94.0	$29,849	$2,239	$1,349	$3,589	$23,305	$2,955	$26,260
Bradley Elementary	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	3032 Pinebelt Road	Columbia	29204	Richland County	Richland 01	No	Yes	No	Yes	(803) 738-7200	392	33	11.8		20 (5.1%)	274 (69.9%)	66 (16.8%)	5 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (1.3%)	22 (5.6%)	34.8	424^th of 649 public elementary schools	34.7%		39.8	381^st of 640 public elementary schools	40.5%	43	44.8	62.3	53.7	41.4	54.7	35.2	47.2	$22,878	$3,074	$1,695	$4,769	$15,499	$2,611	$18,110
Forest Lake Elementary	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	6801 Brookfield Road	Columbia	29206	Richland County	Richland 02	No	Yes	No	No	(803) 782-0470	652	49	13.2		113 (17.3%)	363 (55.7%)	117 (17.9%)	20 (3.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	38 (5.8%)	52.5	290^th of 649 public elementary schools	55.3%		56	271^st of 640 public elementary schools	57.7%	19	54.3	76.4	59.4	54.3	50.5	47.7	58.3	$14,520	$1,089	$725	$1,813	$10,351	$2,357	$12,707
Burton Pack Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	111 Garden Drive	Columbia	29204	Richland County	Richland 01	No	No	No	Yes	(803) 691-5550	255	26	9.8		1 (0.4%)	227 (89.0%)	13 (5.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (5.5%)	14.8	581^st of 649 public elementary schools	10.5%		6.1	628^th of 640 public elementary schools	1.9%	47	36.6	54.2	42.8	20.0	41.2	23.5	29.4	$21,148	$2,039	$1,747	$3,786	$14,686	$2,677	$17,363
Brennen Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	4438 Devereaux Road	Columbia	29205	Richland County	Richland 01	No	No	No	No	(803) 738-7204	805	57	14.2		466 (57.9%)	163 (20.2%)	102 (12.7%)	10 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	63 (7.8%)	88.7	62^nd of 649 public elementary schools	90.4%		86.5	71^st of 640 public elementary schools	88.9%	9	90.8	79.2	76.4	87.9	72.0	67.4	67.2	$16,878	$1,319	$1,131	$2,450	$12,376	$2,052	$14,427
Watkins-Nance Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	2525 Barhamville Road	Columbia	29204	Richland County	Richland 01	No	No	No	Yes	(803) 733-4321	499	30	16.6		8 (1.6%)	432 (86.6%)	20 (4.0%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	37 (7.4%)	10.1	617^th of 649 public elementary schools	4.9%		9.3	608^th of 640 public elementary schools	5.0%	9	39.3	45.3	43.9	29.2	27.0	22.7	25.4	$19,750	$3,013	$1,958	$4,972	$12,406	$2,372	$14,778
A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	726 Easter Street	Columbia	29203	Richland County	Richland 01	No	No	No	Yes	(803) 735-3417	358	24	15.2		1 (0.3%)	325 (90.8%)	25 (7.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.0%)	17.3	553^rd of 649 public elementary schools	14.8%		16.6	553^rd of 640 public elementary schools	13.6%		40.4	47.7	52.2	23.9	25.6	41.3	28.8	$22,558	$2,904	$1,712	$4,616	$14,919	$3,024	$17,943
Carver-Lyon Elementary	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	2100 Waverly Street	Columbia	29204	Richland County	Richland 01	No	Yes	No	Yes	(803) 343-2900	417	47	8.8		32 (7.7%)	302 (72.4%)	62 (14.9%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (4.3%)	25.8	483^rd of 649 public elementary schools	25.6%		28.4	462^nd of 640 public elementary schools	27.8%	21	51.7	68.4	44.6	41.4	33.4	23.0	42.1	$29,568	$2,186	$1,377	$3,563	$22,536	$3,469	$26,005
Joseph Keels Elementary	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	7500 Springcrest Drive	Columbia	29223	Richland County	Richland 02	No	Yes	No	Yes	(803) 736-8754	465	43	10.9		7 (1.5%)	384 (82.6%)	44 (9.5%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	19 (4.1%)	35.7	421^st of 649 public elementary schools	35.1%		30.1	451^st of 640 public elementary schools	29.5%	30	46.7	56.1	54.3	51.7	42.4	42.9	47.9	$17,949	$1,969	$1,001	$2,969	$12,353	$2,628	$14,980

Frequently Asked Questions about Satchel Ford Elementary

What district is Satchel Ford Elementary in?

Richland 01

What is the racial makeup of Satchel Ford Elementary?

Students at Satchel Ford Elementary are 69% White, 21% African American, 5% Two or more races, 5% Hispanic.

What schools do graduates of Satchel Ford Elementary attend?

Students who attend Satchel Ford Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Crayton Middle
High : A. C. Flora High

Is Satchel Ford Elementary a good school?

Yes. Satchel Ford Elementary ranks in the top 9.7% of South Carolina elementary schools.

How many students attend Satchel Ford Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 721 students attended Satchel Ford Elementary.

Rate Satchel Ford Elementary!

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Latest South Carolina data All new data »

2025–26 EOCEP & SC READY test scoresAug 10, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataNov 3, 2025

2024–25 attendance data, dropout rates & graduation ratesNov 3, 2025

2024–25 EOCEP & SC READY test scoresSep 2, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the South Carolina Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.