Summary:
Zip code 29655 (Iva, SC) is served by two public schools in the highly-rated Anderson 03 school district, covering grades PK-5 and 9-12, with no dedicated middle school in the immediate area.
For parents, the standout is Crescent High, a 5-star school ranked in the 90th percentile statewide. Its academic performance is exceptional—English 2 proficiency hit 96.57% versus the state's 83.79%, and the dropout rate is a mere 0.2% compared to the state's 2.1%. With a graduation rate of 91.7% and a rank of 24th out of 245 high schools, this is clearly a top-tier option. In contrast, Iva Elementary is more mid-pack, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 64th percentile. Its test scores show notable volatility—for example, 5th-grade ELA proficiency dropped from 83.9% to 62% in one year—which may be a concern for families with younger children. The absence of a middle school means students in grades 6-8 are likely bused outside the zip code, creating a significant transition from a small elementary school (383 students) to a much larger high school (819 students).
Both schools struggle with chronic absenteeism, with rates of 28.7% at Crescent High and 23.9% at Iva Elementary, both above the state average of 22.3%. Financially, Crescent High operates more efficiently, spending $13,367 per student with a student-teacher ratio of 17.8, while Iva Elementary spends $14,778 per student with a lower ratio of 12.3—likely reflecting the need for more intensive early education support. Overall, this area offers a strong high school experience but a more inconsistent elementary one, and families should weigh the middle school gap and absenteeism issues when considering this zip code.
Thank you for your feedback!