Below Average
#1042 of 1,176 schools in SC
Gray Collegiate Academy
High School · Charter Institute at Erskine
3833 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169
Enrollment
869
Student-Teacher
23.5:1
Score
4.3
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
869
Student-Teacher
23.5:1
Score
4.3
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In West Columbia
#13 of 14
public schools
South Carolina high schools
#213 of 216
In district
#19 of 23
Charter Institute at Erskine
Academic performance
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About Gray Collegiate Academy
Gray Collegiate Academy serves grades 6 through 12 in West Columbia, a large suburban area of Lexington County. The charter school enrolls 869 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23.5:1 with 37 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Academically, Gray Collegiate ranks in the 60th percentile among South Carolina schools, placing it #472 out of 1,192 statewide.
The school demonstrates particular strength in English language arts and reading, where 83% of students perform at or above proficiency levels. Mathematics presents an area of focus, with 60% of students meeting proficiency benchmarks. The school's overall academic score is 9.1 out of 10, reflecting a solid foundation in core instruction.
As a charter public school, Gray Collegiate offers an alternative educational approach within the public system. The combination of middle and high school grades under one roof creates a unique environment where younger and older students learn together. With nearly 870 students across six grade levels, the school balances individual attention with the resources and programs typically found in larger institutions.
Families choosing Gray Collegiate can expect a school with room for academic growth, particularly in mathematics, while building on existing strengths in literacy. The suburban setting provides a stable community environment for students in transition between middle and secondary education.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Gray Collegiate Academy is 23.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Gray Collegiate Academy 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
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Gray Collegiate Academy — Students at Gray Collegiate Academy score 75% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 75%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
15%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 5.8/10.
How Gray Collegiate Academy Compares
See how Gray Collegiate Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 67% (2019) to 67% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 87% (2019) to 83% (2022).
Location
3833 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Gray Collegiate Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. River Bluff High (rated 8.5/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Lexington), which scores notably higher. Another option is East Point Academy (rated 7.9/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Meadow Glen Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Lexington), which scores notably higher. For more schools in West Columbia, see our West Columbia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lexington | 1.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Meadow Glen Middle Lexington | 1.3 mi | 7.2 |
| River Bluff High Lexington | 1.6 mi | 8.5 |
| Oak Grove Elementary Lexington | 1.6 mi | 4.4 |
| Meadow Glen Elementary Lexington | 1.6 mi | 7.7 |
| GLENFOREST SCHOOL West Columbia | 1.8 mi | 7.4 |
| East Point Academy West Columbia | 2.0 mi | 7.9 |
| SC Connections Academy Columbia | 2.4 mi | 2.6 |
| BEN LIPPEN SCHOOL Columbia | 2.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Seven Oaks Elementary Columbia | 2.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Northside Middle West Columbia | 2.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Riverbank Elementary West Columbia | 2.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Springdale Elementary West Columbia | 3.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Leaphart Elementary Columbia | 3.4 mi | 6.0 |
| EDGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY West Columbia | 3.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Sandel Elementary Columbia | 3.5 mi | 4.4 |
| Saluda River Academy for the Arts West Columbia | 3.2 mi | 7.5 |
| H. B. Rhame Elementary Columbia | 3.4 mi | 5.0 |
| St. Andrews Middle Columbia | 3.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Pine Grove Elementary Columbia | 3.9 mi | 5.1 |
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 Gray Collegiate Academy 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 |
|---|---|
| Timberland High St. Stephen, SC | 4.1 |
| Central High Pageland, SC | 3.9 |
| Fox Creek High North Augusta, SC | 5.0 |
| Lakewood High Sumter, SC | 5.1 |
| Woodland High Dorchester, SC | 5.2 |
| The South Carolina Preparatory Academy Anderson, SC | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gray Collegiate Academy
What grades does Gray Collegiate Academy serve?
Gray Collegiate Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Gray Collegiate Academy?
Gray Collegiate Academy has an enrollment of approximately 869 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Gray Collegiate Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Gray Collegiate Academy is 23.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Gray Collegiate Academy rank in SC?
Gray Collegiate Academy is ranked #1042 out of 1,176 schools in SC.
What is Gray Collegiate Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Gray Collegiate Academy has a composite rating of 4.3 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 Gray Collegiate Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Gray Collegiate Academy has 60.3% math proficiency and 83.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Gray Collegiate Academy a charter school?
Yes, Gray Collegiate Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Gray Collegiate Academy a Title I school?
No, Gray Collegiate Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gray Collegiate Academy?
15.0% of students at Gray Collegiate Academy 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 (5,196/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (West Columbia). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 869
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 15.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Lexington County
- Phone
- (803) 951-3321
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Charter Institute at Erskine- District Enrollment
- 25,146
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,062
- District Rank
- #19 of 23
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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