| Metric | Richland School District 1 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 22,037 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 48 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,012/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 14% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richland School District 1 (this district) | 3/10 | 25th | 22,037 |
| Lexington School District 2 | 4/10 | 30th | 8,626 |
| Richland School District 2 | 7/10 | 69th | 28,510 |
| Lexington School District 4 | 1/10 | 9th | 3,544 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 69 rated districts in SC → 25th percentile → 3/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- A. C. Moore Elementary — 1.1 mi · Grades PK–5 · 244 students
- Hand Middle — 1.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 755 students
- Rosewood Elementary — 1.9 mi · Grades K–5 · 338 students
- Logan Elementary — 2.3 mi · Grades PK–5 · 237 students
- South Kilbourne Elementary — 2.3 mi · Grades PK–5 · 234 students
- Dreher High — 2.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,144 students
- Carver-Lyon Elementary — 2.7 mi · Grades PK–5 · 417 students
- Richland One Charter Middle College — 2.8 mi · Grades 11–12 · 106 students
About Richland School District 1
Zip code 29201 in Columbia, South Carolina is served by Richland School District 1 for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Richland School District 1’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Richland School District 1 ranks among South Carolina’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because South Carolina is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Richland School District 1 carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical South Carolina benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 29201
Children in zip code 29201 are assigned to Richland School District 1 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 29201, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Richland School District 1 at (803)231-7000 or visit www.richlandone.org/. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — South Carolina districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Columbia
For families considering a purchase in the Columbia area, district assignment matters financially. Because Richland School District 1 serves zip code 29201, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 29201. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In South Carolina, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Richland School District 1 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 29201.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Richland School District 1 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 29201 data.