Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 29627

Zip code 29627 in Belton, South Carolina is home to 4 elementary schools serving approximately 1,480 students across grades PK-8, offering a mix of traditional district schools and a high-performing charter option. The schools are split between the Anderson 02 district, which operates Marshall Primary (PK-2), Belton Elementary (3-5), and Wright Elementary (K-5), and the Charter Institute at Erskine, which oversees Belton Preparatory Academy (K-8).

The clear standout is Belton Preparatory Academy, which earned a 5-star rating and ranked 38th out of 649 schools in 2025-2026, up from 91st the prior year. Its test scores frequently exceed state averages by 20-30 points, with 5th grade ELA proficiency at 91.8% versus the state's 63.6%. Notably, it achieves these results while spending just $11,222 per student—38% less than Marshall Primary's $18,061. Among district schools, Belton Elementary is the most consistent, holding steady around the 73rd percentile with solid 3rd-5th grade scores. Wright Elementary is the most concerning, dropping from the 94th to the 74th percentile in one year, driven largely by a 30-point decline in 3rd grade ELA proficiency—a shift that may reflect its small enrollment of 193 students.

Chronic absenteeism varies widely, with Marshall Primary at 26.9% (well above the state's 22.3%) while Belton Preparatory Academy sits at just 12.8%. Despite these differences, every school in the zip code outperforms state averages in most subjects, making Belton a relatively strong educational community. For parents, Belton Preparatory Academy offers the best combination of academics and efficiency, while Belton Elementary provides dependable district schooling. Wright Elementary's recent decline and Marshall Primary's attendance challenges are worth monitoring.