Summary:
Zip code 29486 in Summerville, SC is home to three elementary schools serving approximately 3,003 students across grades PK-8, offering families a mix of traditional public schools within the Berkeley 01 district and a public charter school under the Charter Institute at Erskine.
For parents prioritizing early elementary academics, Cane Bay Elementary is the clear standout, ranking in the 77th percentile statewide with a 4-star rating. Its 3rd grade ELA proficiency (78.5%) and math proficiency (74.5%) far exceed state averages, though math scores decline notably by 5th grade. Berkeley Preparatory Academy offers the most efficient model, spending $2,464 less per student than Carolyn Lewis School while maintaining the lowest student-teacher ratio (12:1) and posting exceptional middle school results—including an 80.3% 6th grade ELA proficiency and a 95.23% Algebra 1 pass rate. However, its 5th grade scores show significant year-over-year volatility. Carolyn Lewis School, the largest PK-8 school, provides consistent performance with the highest Algebra 1 pass rate (97.83%) and strong 8th grade ELA (63.4%), though its overall ranking sits in the 52nd percentile.
All three schools demonstrate exceptional Algebra readiness, with pass rates 21-24 points above the state average, suggesting strong middle school math preparation across the area. Chronic absenteeism is a universal challenge, ranging from 18.4% at Berkeley Preparatory Academy to 21.2% at Cane Bay Elementary, indicating a community-wide issue rather than a school-specific problem. Science proficiency varies dramatically, with Berkeley Preparatory Academy excelling (69.1% in 6th grade) while Carolyn Lewis School falls below state averages. Families seeking the strongest elementary academics should consider Cane Bay Elementary, while those prioritizing middle school outcomes and smaller class sizes may find Berkeley Preparatory Academy more appealing.
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