Summary:
Zip code 29641 in Easley, SC, is served by a single school, Lakes and Bridges Charter School, a small elementary and middle school (grades 1-8) with 204 students operating under the School Public Charter School District.
For parents considering this area, the most important takeaway is that Lakes and Bridges Charter School is a school with significant resources and a clear upward trajectory, though current test scores remain below state averages in most grades. The school stands out for its exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio of 8.5:1 and high per-student spending of $16,547, which suggests small class sizes and individualized attention. Chronic absenteeism is also a major strength at just 10.1%, less than half the state average of 22.3%, meaning students are consistently in class. However, academic performance tells a more complex story. In 2025-2026, the school ranked in the 10th percentile statewide (587 out of 649 schools), a dramatic improvement from the bottom 1% in the previous two years. This jump indicates meaningful progress, but proficiency rates in 3rd through 6th grade ELA and math lag well behind district and state benchmarks—for example, only 19.4% of 3rd graders and 29.1% of 3rd graders are proficient in ELA and math, respectively.
The most encouraging finding is the school's pattern of academic growth as students advance. While early grades struggle, 8th grade ELA proficiency reaches 62.9%, which actually exceeds both the district (62.1%) and state (58.9%) averages—the only grade and subject where this occurs. Similarly, 6th grade science proficiency (46.9%) approaches state levels. This suggests the school is effective at developing skills over time, even if incoming students start behind. The data also shows significant year-over-year volatility, likely due to the small enrollment where individual cohorts can dramatically shift results. For parents, this means the school offers a stable, well-funded environment with strong attendance, but they should expect that early-grade performance may require supplemental support, while the middle school years—particularly 8th grade literacy—show genuine strength.
Thank you for your feedback!