Summary:
Zip code 29356 in Landrum, SC, is served by a single elementary school, O. P. Earle Elementary, which enrolls 424 students across grades PK through 5 and is part of the highly-rated Spartanburg 01 district.
For parents considering this school, the most striking feature is its exceptional attendance record. The chronic absenteeism rate is just 0.7%, compared to 19.5% for the district and 22.3% statewide—a phenomenal achievement that points to strong family engagement and a welcoming school culture. The school also maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.2, meaning smaller class sizes and more individual attention. However, academic performance tells a more complex story. While the school has shown strength in some areas, its state ranking has declined steadily over three years, from the 58th percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 37th percentile (2 stars) in 2025-2026. This places it below the average elementary school in South Carolina, despite being in a district ranked in the top 20% statewide.
The test score data reveals significant volatility, particularly in mathematics. The current 4th grade class scored just 32.8% proficient in math, a dramatic 21.1-point drop from the previous 4th grade cohort. A similar, though less severe, decline appears in English Language Arts. Conversely, the 3rd grade class showed impressive gains in both subjects, improving by 9.2 points in ELA and 14.5 points in math. This inconsistency suggests the school may be facing challenges with specific grade-level cohorts or curriculum alignment. With per-student spending of $13,482 and near-perfect attendance, the school has solid structural foundations. The key question for parents is whether the school can translate these advantages into more consistent academic growth, especially as it works to reverse its declining state ranking and close the gap with its high-performing district peers.
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