2023 Best Districts with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Columbia Area

• Irmo, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  71 reviews

Works Here: As a former teacher in this district who has taught in multiple states, I can say that Lex-Rich 5 is doing things right. Their teachers are well trained and kept up to date on the most current teaching practices that positively impact student achievement. They emphasize the importance of valuing the "whole child" and work to be an inclusive learning environment for students of all backgrounds. I would highly encourage parents to enroll their children in this district!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 22

• Students 16,780

• Lexington, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  196 reviews

Senior: I love the schools that I have attended! I have lived in Lexington my whole life and I have attended Elementary, Middle, and High school in Lexington, South Carolina. My experience has been phenomenal so far. Lexington has become a really popular place and has become fairly crowded over the years but the schools are top-notch. I am thankful for the opportunities that all of these schools have given me so far. I would change somethings though such as cancelling school for a few snow flurries or "heavy" rain or a tornado. In South Carolina we hardly ever get snow and tornados. They should rethink the days that are cancelled because of "harsh" weather conditions. Another thing I would change is school food. The portion sizes are awful especially for high schoolers. As a kid who eats a lot of food we are not getting enough food that we need for our bodies. I feel bad for athletes specifically boys who need a lot of calories they need to be eating more food than they are getting.... Read 196 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 31

• Students 27,072

• Columbia, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  180 reviews

Alum: I really liked R2 and I feel like the counselors at BHS really care about their students and do their best to help us even if they are overwhelmed themselves. Like any school, there are teachers who want to be there and teachers who do not, but overall the teachers do their jobs well and show that they care for their students. Another thing I really liked was the increasing amount of accommodations for Spanish-speaking students, and career fairs. As a recent student (CO '2022) I felt very informed about my options moving forward regardless of my race, family income, or overall background. For example, we learned about careers ranging from nursing, education, HVAC, and even welding. Several times a month visitors from each profession would speak to the students. It was very informative and helpful. The school used incentives like free pizza to get students to come which is smart. Students were also made aware of scholarships and classes at R2i2 (<--Look these up they're great!)... Read 180 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 33

• Students 27,761

• Columbia, SC•

• School District

• grade B

• Total schools 33

• Students 15,773

• Camden, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  40 reviews

Sophomore: In particular with my school, the only issue I really have is the facility we stay in and some of the elementary schools aren't up to code. Our old school got hit by a tornado so we had to switch into a tiny building which isn't very much supportive of the number of students we have but it is what it is. The school's district is pretty good they made it where we have e-learning so if were out of school we can still do school work and it counts as a day work of work.... Read 40 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 19

• Students 10,763

• Columbia, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: I really like my school district. It's expanding the learning pipeline, becoming more technology-based and career-based which is good. However, I say four stars because they're starting all of this when I'm beginning to graduate! Some of the things they're implementing might've been very beneficial to me when I was growing as a student. The only other complaint I have is how slow things take to be put into effect. The systems they're just implementing now were being planned three to four years ago! However, I do like my school district. They're trying they're best and I can give them four stars for that. At least my sister will get a taste of what's new in the district..... Read 72 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 48

• Students 22,202

• Columbia, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Junior: I like that we have smaller classes here at Erskine so that we can listen and understand the instructor. We also have a smaller campus so you can get every where you need in a timely mater in a safe environment. Speaking of a safe environment police are on call I feel that this is one of the most safe campuses not only in the state but the us. We even have the information to be able to call the many different emergency lines that are here in Due West so students are not stranded if and when something may happen. Along with that the support he is great we have free counseling for anyone who may need it. It is fully confidential to any one who may need it because at Erskine they understand that college life is hard and students may need someone to talk to. That Campus is a perfect small environment where the support system here is great and you will never feel left out with the many opportunities that Erskine offers.... Read 4 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 22

• Students 23,750

• West Columbia, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  24 reviews

Senior: Throughout all my years growing up and learning in Lexington County School District 2, it has been a good experience. From the very beginning, I always had good teachers that cared about me and wanted for me to succeed. Just about all my teachers pushed me to where I am today, and without them I would be where I am today. It is a very good feeling to say that your district puts in a lot of hard work to see the children of the future have a brighter day tomorrow. I know for a fact when I graduate, I can say that I have been prepared for a future that will bring me huge success.... Read 24 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 13

• Students 8,582

• Swansea, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 2.87 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: Lexington School District 4 has small classes and teachers who are willing to adjust the materials to the needs of individual students. The focus on being college and career ready throughout all the grade levels helps prepare graduates to enter college or the work force with confidence and ease. Lex4 is a district preparing students for success!... Read 15 reviews

• grade D+

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,245