2024 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Columbia Area

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  153 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 153 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  283 reviews

Alum: I love River Bluff so much. Sadly I won’t be able to attend my senior year but the teachers are so understanding and welcoming and they truly care about you. The school itself is absolutely beautiful. The arts department is fabulous and the sports teams and coaches are also great. There’s a lot of school spirit and rivalry that goes on with the sports teams too, and it just makes the high school experience that much more fun. River Bluff will always and forever be my home away from home. Go Gators!... Read 283 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,164

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: We LOVE our school!! The teachers and staff at MGES are very caring, special people. My children love going to school each day, and we are thrilled with the education they are receiving MGES.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 820

• 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

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  517 reviews

Freshman: Best Parts: The teachers here are outstanding and work hard to serve the needs of the students every day. They take time from their busy day to serve and help the students in any way possible. One good part about my experience is the fun activities that you get to participate in as there are a variety of classes. These classes serve the student as a whole and further sets them up for life. Worst Parts/Change: The students could learn to change, and help the teachers a little better making their lives easier. Some students tend to neglect school, but MOST of the students actively participate and learn new things daily. One thing LHS could do to change is to encourage the students to change their character a little bit making the lives of teachers a little bit easier. Overall, LHS is an excellent school, and the environment, student body, etc are terrific. There is always room to improve, and with a few changes, LHS can be an even better school.... Read 517 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,352

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Alum: Meadow Glen offers an incredible education with great opportunities for extracurriculars. The school offers unique classes like an Outdoor Education class and a unique schedule that helps students adjust to future schedules in high school and college.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,020

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  678 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 678 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,956

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: The teachers and faculty were always so kind. They were genuinely excited to see all of the students every single day.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 836

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  531 reviews

Senior: I was part of DFHS's STEM magnet program since 9th grade, and I enjoyed the high variety in options for curriculum students had the option to choose, as well as an abundance of extracurricular opportunities ranging from community service to STEM related to supporting the school's spirit and community. However, DFHS and its surrounding district are not perfect, and I would like to see the school's communications to students and parents improve in the aspects of most everything, and the school itself is beginning to show its age, so it is in need of some renovations and modernization. The football team is impressive, though as someone not particularly interested in football, it is a little hard seeing the school invest so much funds into football and very little into other extracurricular activities like robotics or other student-led clubs.... Read 531 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  269 reviews

Senior: I love the academic opportunities available at Dreher High School. I feel as though they can provide me with the resources I need in order to succeed in my academics. I am also greatly appreciative of the diverse student population that attends Dreher. I am able to connect with students of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The people at Dreher are outstanding and they are also accompanied by the most respectful staff members in the state of South Carolina. The efforts of the teachers and staff are heavily reflected in the outstanding grades and test scores that the students produce. There are no changes I would make to Dreher. I have only had positive experiences and I am beyond happy with how the school is run.... Read 269 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,183

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

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

• 5-6

• •
  Rating 2.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Love this school! The teachers are fabulous and really go above and beyond to make sure each student learns. My child is thriving here and I am so grateful!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Alum: I went here from 2009 to 2015, and it was average. There were good things and bad things. There were two bad teachers that I had, but many I had were good and really cared about me and my education. The Related Arts (Art and Music class) were very fun and I enjoyed those classes a lot. PE was also fun and engaging. The staff were also very nice. I grew up with a lot of friends then, and I still know many of them today. The school has obviously changed since I left, but overall, it's a good school to have your kids learn and grow there.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 763

• 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 County School District One, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 904

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• 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

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Very good school that prepares students well for high school and beyond. Great experience here and one of the top middle schools in the state.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 725

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  345 reviews

Senior: Chapin High School was a great school for learning and diversity. I have been enrolled at CHS for all four years and have loved most of my teachers and classmates. I have joined many clubs and have developed into presidents and vice presidents for most of them I joined. In addition to their academics, their athletic programs are great. I am involved in both Varsity track and cross country and am Varsity and Team leaders for both. Going back to academics, I have made friends with most of my teachers that most have provided me with excellent letters of recommendations and words. I believe it is very important to make special relationships with teachers because they are the people that train you for your life. The only issue with Chapin is that their response to COVID-19 was poor. No social distancing took place and virtual learning was made very difficult. However, the school is still amazing and I hope one day that my children will attend a schools such as this one. Go Eagles!... Read 345 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,592

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  520 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 520 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 County School District One, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 923

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

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

• PK, K-4

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Works Here: This school features some of the most talented and gifted teachers in the profession. It makes me want to excel and achieve to my highest level possible each and every day. I am fortunate to work at such a school. I love the students. They are capable, hardworking and care. Everyone is there to support one another and allow for every light to shine its brightest.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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