Very Good
#36 of 192 private schools in SC
Top 18% of private schools
Glenforest School
School
1041 HARBOR DR, West Columbia, SC 29169
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 14 schools in West Columbia. Learn more
Enrollment
52
Student-Teacher
4.8:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
52
Student-Teacher
4.8:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In West Columbia
#2 of 3
public schools
South Carolina schools
#18 of 116
About Glenforest School
Glenforest School serves 52 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in West Columbia, South Carolina. This small regular public school provides an exceptionally intimate learning environment with just 11 full-time equivalent teachers, creating an outstanding student-teacher ratio of 4.8:1 that allows for highly individualized attention and personalized instruction. With a MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10, Glenforest ranks 142nd among South Carolina's 192 schools, placing it in the 27th percentile statewide.
The school's remarkably small size distinguishes it from typical public schools, offering students the opportunity to form close relationships with teachers and peers while receiving focused academic support. The school draws families from the surrounding West Columbia community in the 29169 ZIP code, where the median household income is $51,496 and median home values reach $181,600. About 37% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the local poverty rate stands at 15%.
This diverse economic landscape reflects a community where 22,039 residents value educational opportunities for their children. Glenforest School operates within Lexington County's large suburban setting, providing students with both the benefits of a close-knit school community and access to the broader resources and opportunities available in the greater Columbia metropolitan area.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 52 students, Glenforest School 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.
With a student-teacher ratio of 4.8:1, Glenforest School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
As a private school, Glenforest School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Financial Overview
Source: IRS Form 990 (2024 filing)
- Per-Pupil Spending
- Total expenses ÷ enrollment
- $28,305
- Per-Pupil Revenue
- Total revenue ÷ enrollment
- $29,967
- Financial Health
- Revenue-to-expense ratio (>1.0 = surplus)
- 1.06x — Stable
- Tuition Dependency
- Share of revenue from program services (tuition, fees)
- 88%
- Total Assets
- End-of-year total assets from IRS filing
- $1.2M
Financial data from IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Per-pupil figures based on current enrollment of 52 students. Not all private schools file Form 990.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Glenforest School compares to 14 public schools serving similar grades in West Columbia, SC
Student Demographics
Nearby Other Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Glenforest School (this school) | 7.4 |
| East Point Academy | 7.9 |
| Northside Middle | 5.0 |
| Riverbank Elementary | 7.2 |
| Saluda River Academy for the Arts | 7.5 |
| Gray Collegiate Academy | 4.3 |
| South Carolina Virtual Charter School | 5.6 |
| Springdale Elementary | 7.0 |
| R. H. Fulmer Middle | 5.6 |
| Airport High | 6.3 |
| Herbert A. Wood Elementary | 5.3 |
| White Knoll Middle | 5.6 |
| Pine Ridge Middle | 4.9 |
| White Knoll Elementary | 3.6 |
| Congaree Elementary | 7.8 |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in SC.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in SC
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
1041 HARBOR DR, West Columbia, SC 29169
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Glenforest School may also want to explore other schools in the area. GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is South Carolina Virtual Charter School (rated 5.6/10, 2.2 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, SC Connections Academy (rated 2.6/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Columbia), a more accessible option. For more schools in West Columbia, see our West Columbia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| East Point Academy West Columbia | 0.2 mi | 7.9 |
| Northside Middle West Columbia | 0.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Riverbank Elementary West Columbia | 0.8 mi | 7.2 |
| Saluda River Academy for the Arts West Columbia | 1.4 mi | 7.5 |
| Gray Collegiate Academy West Columbia | 1.8 mi | 4.3 |
| HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY West Columbia | 2.1 mi | — |
| GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL West Columbia | 2.1 mi | 8.0 |
| South Carolina Virtual Charter School West Columbia | 2.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Springdale Elementary West Columbia | 2.4 mi | 7.0 |
| H. B. Rhame Elementary Columbia | 2.3 mi | 5.0 |
| St. Andrews Middle Columbia | 2.4 mi | 5.3 |
| SC Connections Academy Columbia | 2.7 mi | 2.6 |
| EDGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY West Columbia | 2.9 mi | 6.0 |
| MONTESSORI EARLY LEARNING CENTER Columbia | 2.7 mi | 4.9 |
| Sandel Elementary Columbia | 3.2 mi | 4.4 |
| R. H. Fulmer Middle West Columbia | 3.3 mi | 5.6 |
| Airport High West Columbia | 3.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Seven Oaks Elementary Columbia | 3.3 mi | 4.1 |
| Midlands Middle College Columbia | 3.4 mi | 7.0 |
| River Bluff High Lexington | 3.0 mi | 8.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 29169 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$53,673
Median Home Value
$189,900
Median Rent
$1,081/mo
Population
21,342
College Educated
39%
Homeownership
55.4%
Avg Commute
19.2 min
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Median Age
38.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Glenforest School has a median household income of $53,673. It is an area where 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $189,900, with a median rent of $1,081/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.8%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| FIRST SOUTHERN METHODIST CHR & WESLEY CHRISTIAN SC Orangeburg, SC | 7.4 |
| FOUNDATION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gaston, SC | 7.4 |
| AGAPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lobeco, SC | 7.3 |
| Cedar Springs Academy Spartanburg, SC | 7.7 |
| NORTH MYRTLE BEACH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Longs, SC | 7.1 |
| MISSION HOPE FOUNDATION Columbia, SC | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Glenforest School
What grades does Glenforest School serve?
Glenforest School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Glenforest School?
Glenforest School has an enrollment of approximately 52 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Glenforest School?
The student-teacher ratio at Glenforest School is 4.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Glenforest School rank in SC?
Glenforest School is ranked #36 out of 192 private schools in SC.
What is Glenforest School's MySchoolScout rating?
Glenforest School 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.
Is Glenforest School a private school?
Yes, Glenforest School is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Glenforest School a religious school?
No, Glenforest School is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 52
- Gender Split
- 65% M / 35% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 4.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Nonsectarian
- School Day
- 7 hours
- Days Per Year
- 176 days
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- LEXINGTON
- Phone
- (803) 796-7622
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
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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