Serving 700 students in grades 6-8, Hand Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 700 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hand Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Hand Middle School's student population of 700 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 59 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
700 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
59 teachers
Year Founded
1929
School Rankings
Hand Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hand Middle School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#759 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
12%
14%
Black
52%
31%
White
29%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hornet
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hand Middle School's ranking?
Hand Middle School is ranked #759 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Hand Middle School often compared to?
Hand Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Blythewood Middle School, Crayton Middle School, Dent Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Hand Middle School?
700 students attend Hand Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Hand Middle School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Hand Middle School?
Hand Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hand Middle School offer ?
Hand Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hand Middle School part of?
Hand Middle School is part of Richland 01 School District.
In what neighborhood is Hand Middle School located?
Hand Middle School is located in the Shandon neighborhood of Columbia, SC.
School Reviews
5 4/27/2011
I love hand middle school and all their great teacher and faculty and a cheer for Mr. Burden
Review Hand Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.