Summary:
Zip code 29686 is home to a single elementary school, Tamassee-Salem Elementary, which serves grades PK through 5 in the rural community of Tamassee, SC, as part of the Oconee 01 school district.
For parents, the most important takeaway is that this is a small, well-resourced school on a clear upward trajectory. With just 204 students and an excellent student-teacher ratio of 11.2:1, children are likely to receive significant individual attention. The school spends a substantial $19,609 per student, which is notably high and reflects the benefits of a small rural setting. Academically, the school has made a remarkable leap in its state ranking, jumping from the 50th percentile in 2024-2025 to the 73rd percentile (172nd of 649 schools) in 2025-2026. This improvement is driven by exceptionally strong 4th-grade performance, with proficiency rates of 79.2% in ELA, 70.8% in Math, and an outstanding 75% in Science—the latter exceeding the state average by over 23 points. The 3rd grade also performs well, with 77.5% ELA proficiency. Additionally, chronic absenteeism is a clear asset at 15.9%, far better than the district (23.2%) and state (22.3%) averages, indicating strong family engagement and a supportive environment.
However, there is one area of concern: 5th-grade performance. In 2025-2026, 5th-grade proficiency rates dropped to 62.5% in ELA and 46.9% in Math, both below district and state averages. This suggests a potential transition challenge or a weaker cohort moving up. The data also shows a dramatic year-over-year improvement for the current 4th graders, whose ELA proficiency jumped from 57.7% as 3rd graders to 79.2%—a sign of effective instruction or a particularly motivated group. Overall, Tamassee-Salem Elementary is a strong choice for early elementary grades, with a proven record in science and a dedicated staff, but parents should watch how the school addresses 5th-grade dips to ensure gains are sustained through the upper grades.
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