Schools in Zip Code 29379

Zip code 29379, serving the Union, SC area, contains four public schools within the Union 01 school district, which collectively educate roughly 2,500 students across grades PK-12, including two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

There is a stark contrast between the two elementary schools in this area. Monarch Elementary is the clear standout, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide and significantly outperforming its district peers. For example, its 4th-grade math proficiency rate (70.8%) is an extraordinary 42.9 percentage points higher than that of Foster Park Elementary (27.9%). Monarch also boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the district at 13.9%, well below the state average. In contrast, Foster Park Elementary is the lowest-ranked school in the zip code (6th percentile) and struggles despite spending the most per student ($16,083). Its 4th-grade science proficiency is just 13.2%, a staggering 38.4 points below the state average, and its chronic absenteeism rate is 25.1%.

The secondary schools face significant challenges, particularly with attendance. Sims Middle and Union County High have chronic absenteeism rates of 33.7% and 32.9%, respectively—roughly 50% higher than the state average. This likely contributes to Union County High's dropout rate (4.7%), which is more than double the state's 2.1%, and its declining state ranking over the past two years. On a positive note, Sims Middle achieved a perfect 100% proficiency score in Algebra 1 for advanced students, and it showed meaningful year-over-year improvement in 7th and 8th-grade math. However, its overall math and science scores remain below state averages, and Union County High's graduation rate (83.6%) trails the state's 86.7%. For parents, this data highlights Monarch Elementary as a strong choice, while the district's middle and high schools require attention to attendance and academic support.