Serving 375 students in grades 3-5, Theodore Lester Elementary 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 25-29% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 3-5
- Enrollment: 375 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Theodore Lester Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Theodore Lester Elementary School's student population of 375 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
375 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Rankings
Theodore Lester Elementary 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 Theodore Lester Elementary 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
#961 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
7%
14%
Black
52%
31%
White
31%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Theodore Lester Elementary School's ranking?
Theodore Lester Elementary School is ranked #961 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Theodore Lester Elementary School often compared to?
Theodore Lester Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Henry Timrod Elementary School, Wallace Gregg Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Theodore Lester Elementary School?
375 students attend Theodore Lester Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Theodore Lester Elementary School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Theodore Lester Elementary School?
Theodore Lester Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Theodore Lester Elementary School offer ?
Theodore Lester Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Theodore Lester Elementary School part of?
Theodore Lester Elementary School is part of Florence 01 School District.
School Reviews
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