Summary:
Zip code 29205 in Columbia, SC is home to 7 schools within the Richland 01 school district, serving 3,626 students across 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, including a charter option for upperclassmen.
This zip code offers a dramatic range of elementary school experiences. Brennen Elementary is the clear academic leader, ranking in the top 10% statewide with 90.8% of 3rd graders proficient in ELA and 87.9% in math—roughly 40 points higher than South Kilbourne Elementary, which sits in the bottom 16% and struggles with a 29.3% chronic absenteeism rate. Rosewood Elementary is a rising star, jumping 65 places in state rankings over two years, while A.C. Moore Elementary spends the most per student ($27,702) yet trails Brennen by 15-25 points in most subjects. Notably, Brennen achieves its top results with the lowest spending in the zip code, suggesting factors beyond funding drive success.
Secondary schools show a mixed picture. Hand Middle represents a significant drop-off from the strong elementary feeders, with math proficiency falling to 33-40%, though its Algebra 1 EOCEP pass rate of 98.28% is exceptional. Dreher High excels in English 2 (89.8% proficiency) and maintains a solid 85.4% graduation rate. The standout at the secondary level is Richland One Charter Middle College, which serves just 106 students in grades 11-12 and achieves a 100% graduation rate with 0% dropouts. Chronic absenteeism strongly correlates with performance across all schools—the top performers have rates below 11%, while lower-performing schools exceed 23%.
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