Best Public Schools in Zip Code 29693

Westminster, SC (zip code 29693) is served by five public schools within the Oconee 01 school district, which holds a 4-star rating and ranks in the 76th percentile statewide, encompassing one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools for approximately 2,719 students.

For parents, the standout school in this area is Orchard Park Elementary, which has climbed from a 2-star to a 4-star rating in just two years and now leads all local elementary schools in nearly every subject, including a 67.5% science proficiency rate. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism (16.7%) and the highest per-student spending ($16,612). West Oak Middle is notable for its exceptional Algebra 1 performance (95.56% proficiency), far exceeding district and state averages, though its general 6th-8th grade math scores remain average. Fair-Oak Elementary is stable but stagnant, holding a 3-star rating for three consecutive years with mid-range test scores. In contrast, Westminster Elementary is declining, dropping from 3 stars to 2 stars, with particularly weak 4th grade science (34.3%) and math (37.1%) proficiency despite above-average spending. The most concerning trend is at West-Oak High, where chronic absenteeism is a staggering 34.7% (12.4 points above the state average), contributing to a graduation rate of just 79% and a dropout rate double the state average, even though students who attend show strong proficiency in English 2 (83%) and Algebra 1 (80.4%).

Overall, the district shows a clear connection between attendance and achievement, with the lowest-absenteeism school performing best and the highest-absenteeism school struggling most. Spending does not predict success—Westminster Elementary spends nearly as much as Orchard Park but performs far worse—suggesting school-level leadership and programs matter more than budget. Parents should also note the "middle school dip" in math proficiency across all grade levels and some volatile year-to-year score swings at the elementary level, which may warrant a closer look at specific cohorts or interventions.