2024 Best Schools in Richland County

• Columbia, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  89 reviews

Parent: We are fortunate that the Columbia area has many wonderful schools to choose from, but do your homework and be sure to visit Heathwood Hall - it stands out among the rest! Lots of schools in Columbia have rigorous academics. But Heathwood has SO.MUCH.MORE. Abundant amounts of time outdoors (for classtime and playtime); two full-time chaplains who teach love and acceptance for all; an extraordinary outdoor leadership program called PEAK; teachers who quickly learn what motivates your child and can connect with them in creative and motivating ways; staff who go above and beyond to enhance the experience; experiential learning opportunities; a social community for your child and their peers AND the parents too. My son is only in elementary school, but I know that he is getting the best, well-rounded education around and it makes it worth the financial sacrifice for our family to invest in Heathwood Hall.... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 880

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Columbia, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: Hammond is an excellent school that will exceed all your expectations. While it provides an academic environment that is challenging, progressive, and innovative, it does so in a setting that is very warm, supportive, and family oriented. In one location, your child has limitless opportunities to receive an amazing education, excel in sports, government, and the arts, travel abroad to spectacular countries, and make long lasting friendships. The dynamics between students and faculty is very positive, which is central to fostering good communication, confidence, and a continued desire to learn for the future college years. Hammond creates leaders!... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 999

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  154 reviews

Senior: Spring Hill offers many academically challenging courses that are fit for inquisitive and diligent students. Though I'm taking mostly AP classes this year, I'm confident my teachers can get me through my rigorous schedule. Not only do they get the content across, they provide a fun environment as well! Spring Hill is a school of choice, but I'm not completely satisfied with their lottery system. I hope they will implement a more personal application process in the future.... Read 154 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: I loved this school when I attended it. The teachers are nice and the school is very welcoming. Based on my experience it was a very good school to attend.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 797

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: This is a wonderful school. We recently moved to the area from another state and the school was welcoming. The administration and teachers are very involved in the overall well being of it's students. They have a lot of activities or the children to participate in. They challenge students but don't stress them out like our previous experience at other schools. My child looks forward to school everyday.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 525

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Columbia, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  118 reviews

Senior: I love Ben Lippen! I've attended the school for the last 13 years. To be honest, my favorite parts are the science department and the international program. The science teachers are fantastic at their jobs, and genuinely care about their students. The international program has exposed me to so many cultures that I would never get the chance to experience otherwise! The international students ask questions that I would never think of, and I learn so much from them about their countries and about my own in the contrast. However, the international program is also my least favorite part of the school. The domestic students find it difficult to convince the international students to participate in many domestic student events, so at the school, there ends up being two groups: the Americans and the boarding students. But recently, many international boarding students have started coming out of their shells and participating, and I've had the chance to learn from them again!... Read 118 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,038

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• PK, K-2

• grade A

• Students 482

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: My daughter is in first grade at Ballentine Elementary. Every teacher and staff member have been phenomenal! My daughter has shown high growth in all academic and extracurricular areas. Well done! They communicate with parents very well too’... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 559

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Columbia, SC•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  75 reviews

Niche User: Excellent school, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. For any family who wants to truly prepare their child for college! This is the place. It's like a small family. Everyone knows everyone and looks out for each other. So many opportunities for parents to get involved, if they want to. Lots of clubs and activities in addition to sports for students to get involved in. Amazing fine arts department!... Read 75 reviews

• grade A

• Students 557

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  683 reviews

Alum: I attended Blythewood High School from 2019 to 2023 and let me tell you, this school made me feel so comfortable. The staff and teachers were all super nice, and the counselors were all eager to assist me in my academic journey. I made a lot of friends there and almost wish I hadn't left. During my Senior Assembly, they made a video showcasing all our memories, and I almost teared up. The school hosts several events and opportunities to get involved that really make time there memorable. If there was ever any advice that I could give for new students coming to Blythewood, I would say to make friends with your teachers and get involved. Also, the halls are long(it's a big school!) so make sure you have good walking shoes! Good luck at Blythewood and leave time for fun!... Read 683 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,956

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  532 reviews

Senior: Throughout my years at Dutch Fork High School, I have had mixed experiences. This school is a very big school meaning you will not know everyone. I mainly only know people in my grade or people in the programs I am in. Also, it is very sport centered which is where most of the school's money falls leaving things like bathrooms and other facilities unchecked. Most are falling apart due to age. This makes going to the bathroom very uncomfortable and unsanitary. This school also has had some very good parts like the learning programs. My school offers a STEM Program, even though I am not in this program, I still am a part of the classes due to my high academics. These help me learn much more and become better prepared for college. This is a very good school when it comes to the learning environment. All I wish for this school to change is its time and money towards more important problems like facilities.... Read 532 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,708

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  271 reviews

Senior: As a Dreher senior, my experience there has been a fine one. Attending Dreher has allowed me to meet some of my new friends and even be more active in the world around me. Some of my best times at dreher were the events held in school because they were often used to hype the students up and they achieved that goal. Some of my most irritating experiences attending Dreher would have to be some classes i attended. Those classes to me felt terrible because i felt like i was stressed out for a class i learned nothing in. The school itself is relatively fine and mostly clean for school standards. The food has felt like it declined as it's now mostly pizza everyday but it wasn't many great options to pick from. The canteen is a nice work around if people have money. but not everybody has money and that's something i find not ok personally. If there was anything i wanted to see changed within Dreher, it would definitely have to be the school food being improved above all else.... Read 271 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,183

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Great school, amazing teacher, god resource teacher for special needs kids! Also good Place is belfair to live nearby! We are very delighted our son was redirected to that school. Thank you for all your work, teachers and all the staff.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 453

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Grades 7-8 Beautiful, clean school. Some super wonderful teachers who really took the time to care about my child and made sure she learned in a fun way. Counselors were always there and very helpful. Always someone there to greet you on special occasions. Overall great experience. As with any school, always some issues with bullying that were addressed immediately. My child always felt safe!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 944

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Dutch Fork Middle School is diverse based on students, teachers, and the administrators. They inspire each student through implementing programs for leadership. Also, there are clubs students may never sign up for the teachers will sign students up for to become more involved in school activities. This really help introvert students come out of their shells.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 928

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  528 reviews

Senior: All in all, I loved my experience at Spring Valley. The school has given me the opportunity to create new bonds, be offered different opportunities that will help me in the future, etc. Not only do the faculty and staff prioritize the students overall education, but they also prioritize mental health. My only concerns were the school bathrooms. They were a bit dirty but I think that could change. I also think we should have more school held events for the students such as pep rallies!... Read 528 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,158

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 689

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: I want to say my son loves this school and the staff there are excellent! Someone stated there is no PTO/SIC I’m not sure what sic is but yes there is a PTO and I’ve been to events in 2018-2019 when this person said there was none. Granted not enough parents get involved. I get involved with my sons education and so does my husband! Due to Covid he’s struggling.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 583

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 3-5

• grade A minus

• Students 506

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 323

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: As a parent to two kids that have gone to this school, I am proud to say that Blythewood Middle works hard to provide the academic, social, and emotional learning required to be successful in high school! The teachers, administrators, and staff truly care about all of their students. I can honestly recommend this school with no doubts.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 862

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 290

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  354 reviews

Alum: The best part about high school was socializing and building friendships. High school provided a new opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and form life long connections. Learning and personal growth was also one of the best parts of high school. High school education lays the foundation for higher studies and future careers. It presents opportunities to explore different subjects, discover interests, and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Along with the ups of high school there came downs as well. Balancing coursework, extracurricular, and personal life became overwhelming at times due to heavy workloads, exams, and the pressure to perform well. I would like to see more of the students come together as one instead of being divided by status. I would like to change the academic work load, social environment, and provide mental health support.... Read 354 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,401

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: My family is an Army family. As such, my children have attended 4 different elementary schools spanning from coast to coast. Satchel Ford is the best one they have ever attended. The school itself is well maintained and even has chickens and a garden! The staff are warm and friendly and genuinely seem to care about the students. The curriculum is thoughtful and engaging. I cannot speak highly enough of their AAP (advanced) classes. The incredible field trips and in school activities are a bonus that a lot of schools are lacking. I will be so sad when my youngest has to move on to middle school in a few short years!... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 578

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1