Very Good
#285 of 1,176 schools in SC
Top 24% in state
Discovery Charter of Lancaster
Elementary School · Lancaster 01
302 West Dunlap Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
Enrollment
130
Student-Teacher
16.2:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
130
Student-Teacher
16.2:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lancaster
#3 of 14
public schools
South Carolina elementary schools
#173 of 680
In district
#5 of 22
Lancaster 01
Academic growth
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Discovery Charter of Lancaster
Discovery Charter of Lancaster is a charter school located in the heart of Lancaster, South Carolina. Serving kindergarten through fifth grade, this elementary school offers an intimate learning environment with an enrollment of 130 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.2:1. The dedicated faculty consists of eight full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support each child’s educational journey.
Academically, Discovery Charter has earned a MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and is ranked 375th among the 1192 schools in South Carolina, placing it in the 69th percentile overall. In recent assessments, 51% of students were proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 48% reached proficiency or higher in Math. These scores indicate that there is room for academic growth and improvement.
Discovery Charter of Lancaster provides a unique educational experience within its charter framework, fostering a supportive community where students can thrive. The school’s setting in the town of Lancaster offers easy access to local resources and activities, creating a welcoming environment for families looking for a strong elementary education option.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 130 students, Discovery Charter of Lancaster is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Discovery Charter of Lancaster is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Discovery Charter of Lancaster — Students at Discovery Charter of Lancaster score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
73.1%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 8.6/10.
How Discovery Charter of Lancaster Compares
See how Discovery Charter of Lancaster performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 44.5% (2019) to 54.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 54.5% (2019) to 54.5% (2022).
Location
302 West Dunlap Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Discovery Charter of Lancaster may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Van Wyck Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 9.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Waxhaw Elementary (rated 7.6/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Waxhaw), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Buford Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 8.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster High Lancaster | 0.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Clinton Elementary Lancaster | 0.6 mi | 4.6 |
| North Elementary Lancaster | 1.0 mi | 5.9 |
| South Middle Lancaster | 1.3 mi | 3.5 |
| Brooklyn Springs Elementary Lancaster | 1.4 mi | 4.7 |
| A. R. Rucker Middle Lancaster | 2.0 mi | 3.4 |
| Erwin Elementary Lancaster | 2.3 mi | 3.3 |
| CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lancaster | 2.6 mi | 5.9 |
| TENDERHEARTS Lancaster | 3.4 mi | — |
| McDonald Green Elementary Lancaster | 4.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Van Wyck Elementary Lancaster | 9.6 mi | 7.9 |
| Heath Springs Elementary Heath Springs | 9.7 mi | 4.7 |
| Buford Middle Lancaster | 8.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Buford Elementary Lancaster | 8.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Buford High Lancaster | 9.0 mi | 9.1 |
| Indian Land High Lancaster | 12.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Great Falls Elementary Great Falls | 12.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Great Falls High Great Falls | 12.8 mi | 7.4 |
| Waxhaw Elementary Waxhaw | 14.0 mi | 7.6 |
| South Providence Waxhaw | 14.1 mi | 5.2 |
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 Discovery Charter of Lancaster 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 |
|---|---|
| DIVINE REDEEMER SCHOOL Hanahan, SC | 7.4 |
| Edith L. Frierson Elementary Wadmalaw Island, SC | 7.5 |
| John C. Calhoun Elementary Calhoun Falls, SC | 7.3 |
| Gadsden Elementary Gadsden, SC | 7.2 |
| J. K. Gourdin Elementary Pineville, SC | 7.2 |
| MAY RIVER MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bluffton, SC | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Discovery Charter of Lancaster
What grades does Discovery Charter of Lancaster serve?
Discovery Charter of Lancaster serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Discovery Charter of Lancaster?
Discovery Charter of Lancaster has an enrollment of approximately 130 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Discovery Charter of Lancaster?
The student-teacher ratio at Discovery Charter of Lancaster is 16.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Discovery Charter of Lancaster rank in SC?
Discovery Charter of Lancaster is ranked #285 out of 1,176 schools in SC.
What is Discovery Charter of Lancaster's MySchoolScout rating?
Discovery Charter of Lancaster has a composite rating of 7.4 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 Discovery Charter of Lancaster?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Discovery Charter of Lancaster has 47.8% math proficiency and 51.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Discovery Charter of Lancaster a charter school?
Yes, Discovery Charter of Lancaster is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Discovery Charter of Lancaster a Title I school?
No, Discovery Charter of Lancaster is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Discovery Charter of Lancaster?
73.1% of students at Discovery Charter of Lancaster 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 130
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 73.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Lancaster County
- Phone
- (803) 285-8430
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Lancaster 01- District Enrollment
- 15,298
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,216
- District Rank
- #5 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.
Read our full methodologyGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.