For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 3,040 students in 29212, SC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 29212, SC are Harbison West Elementary School, Nursery Road Elementary School and Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 29212 have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in 29212, SC have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best 29212, SC Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harbison West Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
257 Crossbow Drive
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-3800
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-3800
Gr: PK-5 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #22.
Nursery Road Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6706 Nursery Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-4300
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-4300
Gr: PK-5 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #33.
Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9037
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9037
Gr: 4-12 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Irmo Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6051 Wescott Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-3600
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 989 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
Crossroads Intermediate
(Math: 23% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
6949 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-8300
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-8300
Gr: 6 | 644 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
Empowerment And Enrichment Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9114
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9114
Gr: 5-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 29212, SC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 29212, SC include Harbison West Elementary School, Nursery Road Elementary School and Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center.
How many public elementary schools are located in 29212?
6 public elementary schools are located in 29212.
What is the racial composition of students in 29212?
29212 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.