Summary:
The 29203 zip code area of Columbia, South Carolina is home to 13 schools, including 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative school, all part of the Richland 01 school district, except for the Palmetto Achievement Center for Excellence Academy, a public charter school.
Among the standout schools in the area, Palmetto Achievement Center for Excellence Academy has a significantly different student racial makeup, with a majority white student population, and lower proficiency rates on standardized tests compared to the state and district averages, but a lower student-teacher ratio. Arden Elementary and J.P. Thomas Elementary stand out for their high proficiency rates on standardized tests, particularly in 3rd and 5th grade English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance between the schools, with some schools performing well below the state and district averages on standardized tests. This suggests that students in the 29203 zip code face significant educational challenges, likely exacerbated by the high levels of economic disadvantage, with all but one school having 100% of their students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Addressing these issues will require targeted interventions and support to meet the unique needs of each school and community.
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