Serving 478 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Joseph Keels 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 37% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 478 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Joseph Keels Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Joseph Keels Elementary School's student population of 478 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
478 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Joseph Keels 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 Joseph Keels Elementary School is 0.30, 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
#727 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
11%
14%
Black
83%
31%
White
1%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
8%
5%
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 Joseph Keels Elementary School's ranking?
Joseph Keels Elementary School is ranked #727 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Joseph Keels Elementary School often compared to?
Joseph Keels Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Killian Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Joseph Keels Elementary School?
478 students attend Joseph Keels Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Joseph Keels Elementary School students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Joseph Keels Elementary School?
Joseph Keels Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Joseph Keels Elementary School offer ?
Joseph Keels Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Joseph Keels Elementary School part of?
Joseph Keels Elementary School is part of Richland 02 School District.
School Reviews
Review Joseph Keels Elementary 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
