Skip to main content

Very Good

#396 of 1,176 schools in SC

Top 34% in state

Gray Collegiate Academy

High School · Charter Institute at Erskine

3833 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169

Charter

Enrollment

869

Student-Teacher

23.5:1

Score

7.1

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

South Carolina schools

#396 of 1,176

In West Columbia

#4 of 14

public schools

In district

#13 of 23

Charter Institute at Erskine

Academic performance

8.4 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Gray Collegiate Academy?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Gray Collegiate Academy

7.1/10

High School in West Columbia · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Northside Christian Academy

5.1/10

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

Meadow Glen Middle

7.7/10

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

About Gray Collegiate Academy

Gray Collegiate Academy is a public high school in West Columbia, SC, part of Charter Institute at Erskine. Gray Collegiate Academy serves approximately 869 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 23.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Gray Collegiate Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #396 of 1,176 schools in SC.

Structured state assessment records for Gray Collegiate Academy show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2022) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2022).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • District avg 7.4
  • SC avg 7.3

What Parents Should Know

Gray Collegiate Academy runs 23.5:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Gray Collegiate Academy 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.3Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data5
Annual Change-1.38 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics8.4Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency67% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency83% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency75% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)75% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-0.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile75th
College Readiness7.0Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation0.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,062
Chronic Absenteeism4.5%

Gray Collegiate Academy — Students at Gray Collegiate Academy score 75% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 75%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

15%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores SC EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 59.0% (multi-year average, 2018-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 83.0% (multi-year average, 2018-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 10 test records from SC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2018
Math
67%
ELA
87%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
87%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
79%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
79%
2022
Math
67%
ELA
83%

* 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: 8.3/10.

How Gray Collegiate Academy Compares

See how Gray Collegiate Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
66th percentile in SC
Academic
8.4/10
Excellent
Growth
8.3/10
Excellent
Environment
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.6
Sports
13
6 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
15%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
37 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
4.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
0.9% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics13sports offered
6 boys'·7 girls'·26 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

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. Meadow Glen Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Lexington), which scores notably higher. Another option is River Bluff High (rated 8.0/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Lexington), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Riverbank Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores slightly 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 7.7
River Bluff High Lexington 1.6 mi 8.0
Oak Grove Elementary Lexington 1.6 mi 5.4
Meadow Glen Elementary Lexington 1.6 mi 8.4
GLENFOREST SCHOOL West Columbia 1.8 mi 7.4
East Point Academy West Columbia 2.0 mi 7.8
SC Connections Academy Columbia 2.4 mi 3.9
BEN LIPPEN SCHOOL Columbia 2.8 mi 5.3
Seven Oaks Elementary Columbia 2.8 mi 3.8
Northside Middle West Columbia 2.5 mi 4.2
Riverbank Elementary West Columbia 2.5 mi 7.9
Springdale Elementary West Columbia 3.0 mi 6.6
Leaphart Elementary Columbia 3.4 mi 5.8
EDGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY West Columbia 3.6 mi 6.0
Sandel Elementary Columbia 3.5 mi 4.7
Saluda River Academy for the Arts West Columbia 3.2 mi 6.4
H. B. Rhame Elementary Columbia 3.4 mi 4.6
St. Andrews Middle Columbia 3.4 mi 3.2
Pine Grove Elementary Columbia 3.9 mi 3.7

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Clinton High Clinton, SC 7.1
Columbia High Columbia, SC 7.1
McBee High Mcbee, SC 7.1
Palmetto High Williamston, SC 7.1
Seneca High Seneca, SC 7.1
Walhalla High Walhalla, SC 7.1

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 ranks #396 of 1,176 schools in SC.

What is Gray Collegiate Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Gray Collegiate Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 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 Gray Collegiate Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gray Collegiate Academy has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2022) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2022).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
34 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
4.5%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Get 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.