Summary:
Zip code 29153 in Sumter, South Carolina, is served by a single public high school, Crestwood High, which enrolls 1,105 students in grades 9 through 12 as part of the Sumter 01 school district.
For parents considering this area, Crestwood High presents a mixed picture. The school has struggled academically, with proficiency rates on state End-of-Course exams consistently below the South Carolina average in every subject. Its state ranking has been volatile, dropping to a 0-star rating in 2024-2025 before recovering to a 1-star rating and the 24th percentile in 2025-2026. The graduation rate of 78.8% is notably lower than the state's 86.7%, though the dropout rate of 1.4% is actually better than the state average of 2.1%. This suggests some students may be leaving through alternative pathways rather than formally dropping out. The most pressing concern is chronic absenteeism, which affects 35.7% of students—far exceeding the state's 22.3%—and is likely a major factor behind the lower test scores and graduation rates.
There are some encouraging signs. English 2 proficiency has remained relatively stable at around 71%, making it the school's strongest subject area and a potential foundation for improvement. Per-student spending of $12,307 is reasonable, indicating that financial resources alone are not the issue. The student-teacher ratio of 19.3:1 is also typical for the region. However, the combination of high absenteeism, volatile rankings, and below-average academic performance means parents should carefully weigh these factors. The school's improvement from its worst year is a positive step, but sustained progress will require addressing the attendance crisis and building on the relative strength in English. For families prioritizing consistent academic outcomes, this school may present challenges, though its smaller size and dedicated staff could offer opportunities for more personalized attention.
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