Summary:
Zip code 29150 in Sumter, South Carolina, is home to 7 elementary schools serving grades Pre-K through 5th, with a total enrollment of 3,488 students across two districts: Sumter 01 and the School Public Charter School District.
For parents, the standout choice is Alice Drive Elementary, which earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 81st percentile statewide—a remarkable achievement given its district ranks in the bottom 15%. It outperforms state averages by 10-20 points in most subjects and grades. The next best option is Liberty STEAM Charter School, a 3-star school with the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (15.2%) in the area, well below the state average of 22.3%. In contrast, four schools rank in the bottom 20%: Willow Drive Elementary, Crosswell Drive Elementary, Lemira Elementary, and Wilder Elementary. The gap is stark: in 5th grade math, Alice Drive posts 65.4% proficiency while Willow Drive sits at just 7.2%—a 58-point difference.
Chronic absenteeism is the most pressing issue, with rates ranging from 26.1% at Alice Drive to a staggering 52.8% at Willow Drive, where more than half of students are chronically absent. Higher spending does not translate to better results—Wilder Elementary spends the most per student ($17,935) yet ranks 433rd, while Alice Drive spends less ($14,710) and achieves top results. Additionally, math proficiency declines sharply as students advance through grades at several schools, suggesting foundational skills are not being solidified early. Willow Drive Elementary did show the most improvement, jumping 49 spots in ranking, but still faces significant challenges. For families, Alice Drive is the clear academic leader, with Liberty STEAM offering a solid alternative with better attendance.
Thank you for your feedback!