Five public school districts serve the Columbia area: Richland One (most of the city), Richland Two (northeast Columbia and Blythewood), Lexington-Richland Five (Irmo, Chapin, Dutch Fork), Lexington One (the Town of Lexington) and Lexington Two (West Columbia and Cayce). Your address decides the district and the school, so confirm it with the district's school locator, then compare schools on the state's official report cards at screportcards.com.
Start With the District
Public schools in the Columbia area belong to several districts, and your home address decides which one — and which school — your child attends. The district lines cross city and county boundaries, so two houses a mile apart can be zoned for different schools. Always confirm with the district's own school locator before you buy or sign a lease.
The Main Public School Districts
Richland School District One
Serves most of the City of Columbia and southern and eastern Richland County. It includes long-established high schools such as Dreher and A.C. Flora and offers magnet and choice programs that students can apply to from across the district.
Richland School District Two
Serves northeast Columbia and Blythewood, including Spring Valley, Richland Northeast, Ridge View, Westwood and Blythewood high schools, and runs district-wide magnet programs.
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Serves Irmo, Chapin and the Dutch Fork area on both sides of the county line, including Dutch Fork, Irmo and Chapin high schools.
Lexington County School District One
Serves the Town of Lexington and much of central Lexington County, including Lexington, River Bluff and White Knoll high schools.
Lexington School District Two
Serves West Columbia and Cayce, across the river from downtown.
How to Compare Schools Yourself
- Read the official report card. The South Carolina Department of Education publishes a report card for every public school at screportcards.com, with ratings, test results, graduation rates and teacher data.
- Check the attendance zone. Use the district's school locator with the exact address.
- Look at programs, not just scores. Magnet programs, IB or AP offerings, arts and career-technical programs vary by school.
- Visit. Most schools offer tours or open houses; ask about class sizes and after-school care.
- Ask about transfers and choice programs. Several districts accept applications to magnet or choice programs outside your zone, with deadlines early in the year.
Private and Independent Schools
The Columbia area has several long-established private schools, including Hammond School, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Cardinal Newman School and Ben Lippen School, as well as many smaller faith-based and Montessori schools. Tuition, financial aid and admissions dates are published on each school's own website and change every year, so check them directly.
Early Childhood and Tutoring
For licensed child care and preschools, search the state's SC Child Care database, which shows each provider's licence and inspection history. Browse daycare listings and tutors in our directory, and see our neighborhood guide for how districts map onto areas.
Frequently asked questions
What school districts are in Columbia, SC?
Richland School District One, Richland School District Two, School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, Lexington County School District One and Lexington School District Two. Which one serves a home depends on the exact address.
How do I compare schools in Columbia, SC?
Read each school's official report card at screportcards.com (ratings, test results, graduation rates, teacher data), confirm the attendance zone with the district's school locator, look at programs such as magnet, IB, AP and career-technical, and visit.
Which high schools are in Richland Two?
Spring Valley, Richland Northeast, Ridge View, Westwood and Blythewood high schools, plus district-wide magnet programs.
Can my child attend a school outside our zone?
Often, through magnet or choice programs. Several districts accept applications from outside the attendance zone, with deadlines early in the year.