Best Public Schools in Zip Code 29169

The 29169 zip code area is home to 6 schools spanning elementary, middle, high, and alternative education, across 3 different school districts - Lexington 02, Charter Institute at Erskine, and School Public Charter School District. The standout schools in this area are Gray Collegiate Academy, a high-performing public charter high school, and East Point Academy, a top-ranked public charter elementary/middle school.

Test scores across the schools vary widely, with Gray Collegiate Academy and East Point Academy boasting exceptional proficiency rates, often exceeding state averages by 20-30 percentage points. In contrast, Riverbank Elementary and Northside Middle struggle, with proficiency rates well below the state average. The high free/reduced lunch rates at several schools, including Riverbank Elementary (100%) and Saluda River Academy for the Arts (100%), indicate significant socioeconomic challenges facing the student populations.

The charter schools in the area, such as South Carolina Virtual Charter School, tend to have higher student-teacher ratios and per-student spending, but their academic performance often outpaces the traditional public schools. This suggests that the charter model may be providing some advantages in terms of student outcomes, despite the economic challenges faced by many of the students in this zip code area.