Schools in Zip Code 29123

Zip code 29123 in Pelion, South Carolina, is served by four public schools in the Lexington 01 district, enrolling about 2,351 students across two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that this is a community with significant challenges, but also some notable bright spots. Pelion Middle stands out with an extraordinary 92.11% proficiency rate on the Algebra 1 EOCEP exam, far exceeding district and state averages, though this likely reflects a selective group of advanced students. In contrast, Pelion High struggles with an 80.6% graduation rate and a 48.1% chronic absenteeism rate—more than double the district average—though its English 2 proficiency improved to 79.24%, nearly matching the state. Among the elementary schools, Pelion Elementary generally outperforms Forts Pond Elementary, which ranks at the 13th percentile statewide and shows persistent low scores in math and reading. Across all four schools, chronic absenteeism is a systemic crisis, ranging from 34.1% to 48.1%, and math proficiency lags significantly behind state averages at nearly every grade level.

The most striking finding is the disconnect between the district's strong reputation—Lexington 01 ranks in the 81st percentile statewide—and the underperformance of these specific schools, all of which rank below the 45th percentile. Despite spending a substantial $15,624 to $17,826 per student, outcomes don't reflect that investment. However, the Algebra 1 success at Pelion Middle and the improving English 2 scores at Pelion High show that targeted interventions can work. For parents, the priority should be understanding the attendance challenges and asking schools about math support programs, while recognizing that pockets of excellence exist even in a struggling system.