Needs Improvement
#1145 of 1,176 schools in SC
A. R. Rucker Middle
Middle School · Lancaster 01
422 Old Dixie Road, Lancaster, SC 29720
Enrollment
513
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
3.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
513
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
3.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lancaster
#13 of 14
public schools
South Carolina middle schools
#242 of 249
In district
#21 of 22
Lancaster 01
About A. R. Rucker Middle
A. R. Rucker Middle is a regular public middle school located in Lancaster, South Carolina, near the rural outskirts of the town.
The school serves students in grades 6 through 8 and has an enrollment of 513 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14.7:1, ensuring that each teacher can provide focused attention to their classes. The academic performance at A. R.
Rucker Middle is currently rated lower compared to other schools in South Carolina, with only 23% of students proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, and 14% proficient or above in Math. While these numbers indicate areas for improvement, the school remains committed to enhancing its educational offerings and supporting student development. A.
R. Rucker Middle is situated in a rural area that provides a close-knit community atmosphere, which can be beneficial for students who thrive in smaller, more supportive settings. The setting offers a peaceful environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, A. R. Rucker Middle may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
A. R. Rucker Middle — Students at A. R. Rucker Middle score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores SC EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from SC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.2/10.
How A. R. Rucker Middle Compares
See how A. R. Rucker Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 23% (2019) to 11% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 29% (2019) to 24% (2022).
Location
422 Old Dixie Road, Lancaster, SC 29720
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering A. R. Rucker Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Buford Middle (rated 5.9/10, 6.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Andrew Jackson Middle (rated 4.8/10, 12.2 miles away, in nearby Kershaw), which scores notably higher. Additionally, South Middle (rated 3.5/10, 2.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lancaster | 1.9 mi | 5.9 |
| Clinton Elementary Lancaster | 1.7 mi | 4.6 |
| Discovery Charter of Lancaster Lancaster | 2.0 mi | 7.4 |
| TENDERHEARTS Lancaster | 2.8 mi | — |
| Lancaster High Lancaster | 2.4 mi | 5.4 |
| North Elementary Lancaster | 2.6 mi | 5.9 |
| South Middle Lancaster | 2.7 mi | 3.5 |
| Brooklyn Springs Elementary Lancaster | 2.8 mi | 4.7 |
| McDonald Green Elementary Lancaster | 4.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Erwin Elementary Lancaster | 4.1 mi | 3.3 |
| Buford Middle Lancaster | 6.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Buford Elementary Lancaster | 6.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Buford High Lancaster | 7.1 mi | 9.1 |
| Heath Springs Elementary Heath Springs | 8.7 mi | 4.7 |
| Van Wyck Elementary Lancaster | 10.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Indian Land High Lancaster | 12.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Prospect Elementary Monroe | 12.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Andrew Jackson Middle Kershaw | 12.2 mi | 4.8 |
| Andrew Jackson High Kershaw | 12.3 mi | 7.5 |
| Waxhaw Elementary Waxhaw | 13.8 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 29720 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,039
Median Home Value
$212,800
Median Rent
$845/mo
Population
51,603
College Educated
22.2%
Homeownership
77.7%
Avg Commute
30 min
Poverty Rate
17.4%
Median Age
41.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding A. R. Rucker Middle has a median household income of $59,039. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $212,800, with a median rent of $845/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.4%. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Jackson STEM Magnet Jackson, SC | 3.4 |
| Sangaree Middle Ladson, SC | 3.4 |
| Chestnut Oaks Middle Sumter, SC | 3.3 |
| Dillon Middle Dillon, SC | 3.3 |
| South Middle Lancaster, SC | 3.5 |
| Hillcrest Middle Dalzell, SC | 3.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about A. R. Rucker Middle
What grades does A. R. Rucker Middle serve?
A. R. Rucker Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend A. R. Rucker Middle?
A. R. Rucker Middle has an enrollment of approximately 513 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at A. R. Rucker Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at A. R. Rucker Middle is 14.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does A. R. Rucker Middle rank in SC?
A. R. Rucker Middle is ranked #1145 out of 1,176 schools in SC.
What is A. R. Rucker Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
A. R. Rucker Middle has a composite rating of 3.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at A. R. Rucker Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, A. R. Rucker Middle has 14.0% math proficiency and 23.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is A. R. Rucker Middle a charter school?
No, A. R. Rucker Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is A. R. Rucker Middle a Title I school?
No, A. R. Rucker Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for A. R. Rucker Middle?
100.0% of students at A. R. Rucker Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (7,243/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lancaster). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 513
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Lancaster County
- Phone
- (803) 416-8555
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Lancaster 01- District Enrollment
- 15,298
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,216
- District Rank
- #21 of 22
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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