For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 1,926 students in 29203, SC.
The top ranked public preschools in 29203, SC are Pendergrass Fairwold School, Edward E. Taylor Elementary School and Forest Heights Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 29203 have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the South Carolina public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in 29203, SC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschool average of 54% (majority Black).
Best 29203, SC Public Preschools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: PK-12 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #22.
Edward E. Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
200 Mcrae Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 343-2974
Gr: PK-5 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Forest Heights Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2500 Blue Ridge Terrace
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 691-3780
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 691-3780
Gr: PK-5 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
726 Easter Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3417
Gr: PK-5 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Arden Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Ashley Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 227 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #66.
J. P. Thomas Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6001 Weston Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3430
Gr: PK-5 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #77.
Hyatt Park Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4200 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 735-3421
Gr: PK-5 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
29203, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Hall Institute (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1800 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 898-1488
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 898-1488
Gr: K-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
3801 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 929-1140
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 929-1140
Gr: K-5 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Midlands Arts Conservatory (Closed 2023)
Charter School
3806 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 630-1622
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 630-1622
Gr: 6-11 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Morris Village High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
610 Faison Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7100
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7100
Gr: 7-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Richland Two Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
7900 Brookmont Lane
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 419-1348
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 419-1348
Gr: 9-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 39:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in 29203, SC?
The top ranked public preschools in 29203, SC include Pendergrass Fairwold School, Edward E. Taylor Elementary School and Forest Heights Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 29203?
7 public preschools are located in 29203.
What is the racial composition of students in 29203?
29203 public preschools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschools average of 54% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.