Richland County Schools & Education
Richland County, South Carolina
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
67.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
67.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 84.2%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,146
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,165
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
State avg 33/100
State School Rank
#9
of 46 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Richland County, South Carolina
South Carolina's Educational Powerhouse
Richland County is a massive educational hub, home to 103 public schools serving over 60,600 students across four districts. The infrastructure is expansive, featuring 59 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 24 high schools, and specialized alternative centers. This scale offers a breadth of resources and specialized programs unmatched in smaller counties.
Significant Investment Amidst Achievement Gaps
Richland County invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $10,146, far exceeding the state average of $7,165. Despite this high funding, the county-wide graduation rate of 67.3% is below the state average, and the composite school score stands at 48.4. These figures reflect the complex challenges of managing one of the state's largest and most diverse urban school systems.
A Multi-District System with Diverse Choices
Four districts operate in the county, with Richland 02 serving the largest share of students (28,510) across its 32 schools. Families have significant choice, with seven charter schools and seven alternative schools integrated into the public system. This variety allows for specialized educational paths, from traditional large-scale high schools to niche alternative programs.
Large-Scale Urban and Suburban Learning
Education in Richland is primarily suburban and urban, with 49 schools in suburbs and 34 in city locales. The average school size is 612 students, but the largest high schools, like Spring Valley and Blythewood High, each serve over 2,000 students. This environment offers a true 'big school' experience with extensive athletic, arts, and academic opportunities.
Vast Housing Options Near Top Facilities
With over 100 schools, Richland County offers a housing market with unparalleled access to diverse educational settings. Whether you seek a specialized charter school in Columbia or a large suburban high school in Richland 02, there is a home to match your family's needs. Use the county's extensive school data to find the neighborhood that aligns best with your child's future goals.
School Overview
Total Schools
103
in Richland County
Total Enrollment
60,619
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
7
7% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Richland County
Richland 02
Richland 01
Lexington 05
Dept of Juvenile Justice
103 Public Schools in Richland County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Valley High | Richland 02 | 9–12 | High | 2,187 |
| Blythewood High | Richland 02 | 9–12 | High | 2,094 |
| Dutch Fork High | Lexington 05 | 9–12 | High | 1,726 |
| Ridge View High | Richland 02 | 9–12 | High | 1,711 |
| Westwood High | Richland 02 | 9–12 | High | 1,684 |
| Richland Northeast High | Richland 02 | 9–12 | High | 1,359 |
| E. L. Wright Middle | Richland 02 | KG–8 | Primary | 1,354 |
| A. C. Flora High | Richland 01 | 9–12 | High | 1,352 |
| Muller Road Middle | Richland 02 | KG–8 | Primary | 1,246 |
| Lower Richland High | Richland 01 | 9–12 | High | 1,244 |
| Summit Parkway Middle | Richland 02 | KG–8 | Primary | 1,154 |
| Dreher High | Richland 01 | 9–12 | High | 1,150 |
| Spring Hill High | Lexington 05 | 9–12 | High | 1,089 |
| Kelly Mill Middle | Richland 02 | 2–8 | Middle | 1,058 |
| Dent Middle | Richland 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 1,018 |
| Chapin Middle | Lexington 05 | 7–8 | Middle | 991 |
| Dutch Fork Middle | Lexington 05 | 7–8 | Middle | 921 |
| Crayton Middle | Richland 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 905 |
| Lake Murray Elementary | Lexington 05 | KG–4 | Primary | 809 |
| Brennen Elementary | Richland 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 806 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,146
State avg $7,165
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Richland County, South Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Richland County, South Carolina?
Richland County is a massive educational hub, home to 103 public schools serving over 60,600 students across four districts. The infrastructure is expansive, featuring 59 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 24 high schools, and specialized alternative centers. This scale offers a breadth of resources and specialized programs unmatched in smaller counties.
How do schools in Richland County perform academically?
Richland County invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $10,146, far exceeding the state average of $7,165. Despite this high funding, the county-wide graduation rate of 67.3% is below the state average, and the composite school score stands at 48.4. These figures reflect the complex challenges of managing one of the state's largest and most diverse urban school systems.
What are the major school districts in Richland County, South Carolina?
Four districts operate in the county, with Richland 02 serving the largest share of students (28,510) across its 32 schools. Families have significant choice, with seven charter schools and seven alternative schools integrated into the public system. This variety allows for specialized educational paths, from traditional large-scale high schools to niche alternative programs.
What is the school experience like in Richland County?
Education in Richland is primarily suburban and urban, with 49 schools in suburbs and 34 in city locales. The average school size is 612 students, but the largest high schools, like Spring Valley and Blythewood High, each serve over 2,000 students. This environment offers a true 'big school' experience with extensive athletic, arts, and academic opportunities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Richland County, South Carolina?
With over 100 schools, Richland County offers a housing market with unparalleled access to diverse educational settings. Whether you seek a specialized charter school in Columbia or a large suburban high school in Richland 02, there is a home to match your family's needs. Use the county's extensive school data to find the neighborhood that aligns best with your child's future goals.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.