Summary:
Zip code 29492 is home to 2 elementary schools—Daniel Island School and Philip Simmons Elementary—serving roughly 1,686 students in the Berkeley 01 district, an area that stands out for its strong academic culture and exceptionally low chronic absenteeism.
Daniel Island School is the clear standout, ranking in the top 2% of all South Carolina elementary schools for three straight years (10th, 7th, and 7th statewide). It maintains 80%+ proficiency across every subject and grade, with 3rd and 4th grade ELA at 90.8% and 91.8%, respectively, and a perfect 100% Algebra 1 pass rate. Its chronic absenteeism rate is just 6.9%, less than one-third of the state average. Philip Simmons Elementary is also strong, ranking in the 83rd–86th percentile (4 stars), with 3rd grade ELA at 89.5% and 3rd grade math at 86.0%. However, it shows a concerning math decline as grades progress—from 86.0% in 3rd grade to 74.6% in 4th and just 46.7% in 5th, which falls below the state average. Both schools dramatically outperform their district, which ranks only 59th percentile statewide, making this zip code an island of excellence within an average-performing system.
Financially, Daniel Island School spends $12,857 per student versus $13,766 at Philip Simmons Elementary, yet achieves better outcomes—suggesting efficient resource use at scale. Both schools have similar student-to-teacher ratios (16:1 and 16.4:1) and absenteeism far below district/state norms (11.5% at Philip Simmons). Daniel Island’s K-8 configuration helps sustain high achievement through middle school, with 7th and 8th grade ELA at 82.4% and 84.6%. For parents, this zip code offers two excellent options, with Daniel Island being elite and Philip Simmons a solid choice—though families should watch upper-grade math support at the latter.
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