Summary:
Zip code 29741 in Ruby, SC, is served by a single school, Ruby Elementary, a small PK-5 school with 256 students in the Chesterfield 01 district.
Ruby Elementary is a school on the rise, having improved its state ranking for three consecutive years—from the 37th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 50th percentile in 2025-2026, earning a 3-star rating. This upward trend is notable because the school consistently outperforms its district across every subject and grade level. For example, 5th grade ELA proficiency stands at 72.1%, which is 18.6 points higher than the district average and 8.5 points above the state average. The school also maintains a favorable 11.6:1 student-teacher ratio and spends $13,428 per student, suggesting strong resource allocation. Chronic absenteeism is a relative bright spot at 19.0%, better than both the district (24.1%) and state (22.3%) rates.
However, the picture is mixed when looking at year-over-year changes. While 3rd grade ELA improved by 11.9 points and 3rd grade math jumped 18.7 points, 4th grade math declined by 11.3 points and 4th grade science fell 15.6 points. These dramatic swings likely reflect cohort effects rather than systematic instructional changes. Math and science remain areas of concern, with proficiency rates trailing state averages by 3-10 points in math and 11.6 points in science. Despite these challenges, Ruby Elementary is clearly outperforming its district's overall standing—the Chesterfield 01 district ranks 59th of 75 districts in South Carolina. For parents, this school offers a small, well-resourced environment with strong ELA instruction and improving overall performance, though math and science may require additional support at home.
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