For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 703 students in 29203, SC.
The top ranked public middle schools in 29203, SC are Pendergrass Fairwold School, Alcorn Middle School and Heyward Gibbes Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 6% (versus the South Carolina public middle school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle school average of 52% (majority Black).
Best 29203, SC Public Middle Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Pendergrass Fairwold School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5935 Token Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3435
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3435
Grades: PK-12
| 56 students
Rank: #22.
Alcorn Middle School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5125 Fairfield Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3439
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3439
Grades: 6-8
| 384 students
Rank: #33.
Heyward Gibbes Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
500 Summerlea Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2942
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2942
Grades: 6-8
| 263 students
29203, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Hall Institute (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1800 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 898-1488
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 898-1488
Grades: K-12
| 28 students
3801 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 929-1140
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 929-1140
Grades: K-5
| 132 students
Midlands Arts Conservatory (Closed 2023)
Charter School
3806 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 630-1622
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 630-1622
Grades: 6-11
| 166 students
Morris Village High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
610 Faison Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7100
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7100
Grades: 7-12
| 20 students
Richland Two Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
7900 Brookmont Lane
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 419-1348
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 419-1348
Grades: 9-12
| 39 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in 29203, SC?
The top ranked public middle schools in 29203, SC include Pendergrass Fairwold School, Alcorn Middle School and Heyward Gibbes Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in 29203?
3 public middle schools are located in 29203.
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public middle schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle schools average of 52% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.