Below Average

#1018 of 1,176 schools in SC

Carolina School for Inquiry

Elementary School · Richland 01

P.O. Box 2484, Columbia, SC 29202

Last updated: July 2026

Charter

Enrollment

113

Student-Teacher

11.3:1

Score

4.2

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Enrollment

113

Student-Teacher

11.3:1

Score

4.2

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage
2022-23

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

South Carolina schools

#1,018 of 1,176

In Columbia

#60 of 72

public schools

In district

#36 of 47

Richland 01

School environment

9.8 / 10

Excellent

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Elementary School in Columbia · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

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2.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Carolina School for Inquiry

Carolina School for Inquiry is a public elementary school in Columbia, SC, part of Richland 01. Carolina School for Inquiry serves approximately 113 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 11.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Carolina School for Inquiry has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,018 of 1,176 schools in SC.

Structured state assessment records for Carolina School for Inquiry show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.0 pts below district

4.2

This school 4.2 · Below Average
District avg 5.2
SC avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

At 113 students, Carolina School for Inquiry is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Carolina School for Inquiry is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics

Student Progress2.1Needs Improvement50%

Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.

View breakdown

Years of Data14

Annual Change-5.11 pts/yr

Data Period2009–2022

TrendDeclining

Academics3.8Needs Improvement30%

Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.

View breakdown

Math Proficiency15% (2022 EdFacts)

Reading/ELA Proficiency34.5% (2022 EdFacts)

Overall Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)

Expected (poverty-adj.)36% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)

vs. Expected-11.5 pts

Adjusted Percentile19th

Resources & Environment9.8Excellent20%

Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.

View breakdown

Student-Teacher Ratio11.3:1

Per-Pupil Spending$18,992

Chronic Absenteeism13.3%

Carolina School for Inquiry — Students at Carolina School for Inquiry score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores SC EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 39.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)

School

State

N/A

ELA Proficiency 48.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)

School

State

N/A

Based on 28 test records from SC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009

Math

74.5%

ELA

84.5%

2010

Math

54.5%

ELA

84.5%

2011

Math

74.5%

ELA

74.5%

2012

Math

74.5%

ELA

74.5%

2013

Math

82%

ELA

72%

2014

Math

44.5%

ELA

24.5%

2015

Math

22%

ELA

27%

2016

Math

22%

ELA

32%

2017

Math

22%

ELA

22%

2018

Math

22%

ELA

27%

2019

Math

22%

ELA

27%

2020*

Math

10%

ELA

49.5%

2021*

Math

10%

ELA

49.5%

2022

Math

15%

ELA

34.5%

* 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: 2.1/10.

How Carolina School for Inquiry Compares

See how Carolina School for Inquiry performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score

4.2/10

14th percentile in SC

Academic

3.8/10

Needs Improvement

Growth

2.1/10

Needs Improvement

Environment

9.8/10

Excellent

Gifted & Talented

Yes

Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch

Students eligible for subsidized meals

100%

Teaching Staff

11:1 student-teacher ratio

10 teachers

Chronic Absenteeism

Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)

13.3%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available

This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

P.O. Box 2484, Columbia, SC 29202

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Carolina School for Inquiry may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. 1955 (rated 6.7/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is J. P. Thomas Elementary (rated 5.1/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Forest Heights Elementary (rated 4.2/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Columbia, see our Columbia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.3 mi

School	Distance	Enrollment	Rating
Forest Heights Elementary Columbia	1.4 mi	433	4.2
J. P. Thomas Elementary Columbia	2.1 mi	302	5.1
Palmetto Achievement Center for Excellence Academy Columbia	2.3 mi	198	4.8
Alcorn Middle Columbia	2.6 mi	384	4.4
V.V.REID SCHOOL Columbia	2.5 mi	15	—
V.V. REID SCHOOL, LLC Columbia	2.5 mi	13	—
A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary Columbia	2.5 mi	353	3.4
Arden Elementary Columbia	2.9 mi	227	3.4
Pendergrass Fairwold School Columbia	2.7 mi	56	6.8
W.J. Keenan High Columbia	2.5 mi	719	7.5
1955 Columbia	2.6 mi	62	6.7
Eau Claire High Columbia	3.1 mi	599	6.7
SC Whitmore School Columbia	2.9 mi	478	5.6
BEN LIPPEN SCHOOL Columbia	2.7 mi	979	5.6
Burton Pack Elementary Columbia	3.4 mi	344	3.6
Hyatt Park Elementary Columbia	3.6 mi	333	3.3
SONLIGHT HERITAGE ACADEMY Columbia	3.9 mi	5	—
Heyward Gibbes Middle Columbia	4.1 mi	263	4.5
W. A. Perry Middle Columbia	4.2 mi	310	4.1
DANIELS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Columbia	4.3 mi	21	—

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School	Enrollment	Rating
Edith L. Frierson Elementary Wadmalaw Island, SC	149	4.2
Rafting Creek Elementary Rembert, SC	137	4.2
Gadsden Elementary Gadsden, SC	134	4.4
Reuben Elementary Newberry, SC	155	4.0
Academy of Hope Charter Conway, SC	106	4.5
Manning Primary Manning, SC	152	3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Carolina School for Inquiry

What grades does Carolina School for Inquiry serve?

Carolina School for Inquiry serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Carolina School for Inquiry?

Carolina School for Inquiry has an enrollment of approximately 113 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Carolina School for Inquiry?

The student-teacher ratio at Carolina School for Inquiry is 11.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Carolina School for Inquiry rank in SC?

Carolina School for Inquiry ranks #1,018 of 1,176 schools in SC.

What is Carolina School for Inquiry's MySchoolScout rating?

Carolina School for Inquiry has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Carolina School for Inquiry?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Carolina School for Inquiry has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Carolina School for Inquiry a charter school?

Yes, Carolina School for Inquiry is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Carolina School for Inquiry a Title I school?

No, Carolina School for Inquiry is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carolina School for Inquiry?

100.0% of students at Carolina School for Inquiry qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.