John J. Kaminer House · Photo: Eastward Gypsy · CC BY-SA 4.0Gadsden’s public schools score below 71% of South Carolina districts on tests and graduation
28% of students in Gadsden’s public schools are proficient in math, below the South Carolina average (41%). The grade covers the public school district serving Gadsden, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within South Carolina, not nationally.
From South Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Gadsden’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 194 South Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Gadsden’s, its schools beat 24%, lower than their 29% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 41% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 52% and 41% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
82% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84% across South Carolina. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,012 per student, against $15,090 across South Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then nine middle and seven high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Gadsden’s grade
C: better than 29% of South Carolina school districts. Both inputs trail the South Carolina average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Gadsden, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Gadsden
Gadsden Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 133 students · 9:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Gadsden
Gadsden Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 133 students · 9:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Gadsden
Gadsden Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 133 students · 9:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Gadsden
Gadsden Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 133 students · 9:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Gadsden
Gadsden Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 133 students · 9:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Gadsden
Gadsden Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 133 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Gadsden’s public schools are run by Richland School District 1, which also serves Cayce, Columbia, Eastover and Forest Acres. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Gadsden vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the South Carolina towns that share Gadsden’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Gadsden | C | Richland School District 1 |
Every school in Gadsden
17 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with South Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Gadsden’s schools
Are Gadsden’s schools good?
On South Carolina’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Gadsden children attend score below 71% of South Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 24%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Gadsden in?
Richland School District 1, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 21,814 students in 47 schools (2024–25).
Where do Gadsden kids go to high school?
One of 7 high schools, depending on your address: A. C. Flora High, Lower Richland High, Dreher High, Columbia High, W.J. Keenan High, Eau Claire High and C. A. Johnson High.
What is Gadsden’s graduation rate?
82% of the class of 2023 in Richland School District 1 graduated in four years, against 84% across South Carolina.
How much does Gadsden spend per student?
$20,012 in Richland School District 1 (FY2024), against $15,090 across South Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Gadsden families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Gadsden → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within South Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.