Needs Improvement
#1152 of 1,176 schools in SC
South Middle
Middle School · Lancaster 01
1551 Billings Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720
Enrollment
492
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
2.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
492
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
2.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
South Carolina schools
#1,152 of 1,176
In Lancaster
#12 of 14
public schools
In district
#20 of 22
Lancaster 01
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South Middle
Middle School in Lancaster · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Brooklyn Springs Elementary
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Discovery Charter of Lancaster
1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Middle
South Middle is a public middle school in Lancaster, SC, part of Lancaster 01. South Middle serves approximately 492 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio. South Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,152 of 1,176 schools in SC.
Structured state assessment records for South Middle show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 2.8 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.5
- SC avg 5.3
What Parents Should Know
35% of students at South Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
South Middle — Students at South Middle score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores SC EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from SC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 2.8/10.
How South Middle Compares
See how South Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1551 Billings Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Buford Middle (rated 4.9/10, 9.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Andrew Jackson Middle (rated 3.8/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Kershaw), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, A. R. Rucker Middle (rated 2.6/10, 2.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Springs Elementary Lancaster | 0.1 mi | 2.9 |
| Discovery Charter of Lancaster Lancaster | 1.3 mi | 5.7 |
| Lancaster High Lancaster | 1.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Erwin Elementary Lancaster | 1.5 mi | 3.4 |
| Clinton Elementary Lancaster | 1.9 mi | 2.6 |
| North Elementary Lancaster | 2.1 mi | 6.0 |
| CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lancaster | 2.2 mi | 5.9 |
| A. R. Rucker Middle Lancaster | 2.7 mi | 2.6 |
| TENDERHEARTS Lancaster | 2.8 mi | — |
| McDonald Green Elementary Lancaster | 3.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Heath Springs Elementary Heath Springs | 8.9 mi | 4.4 |
| Van Wyck Elementary Lancaster | 10.8 mi | 8.4 |
| Buford Middle Lancaster | 9.5 mi | 4.9 |
| Buford Elementary Lancaster | 9.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Buford High Lancaster | 9.7 mi | 8.3 |
| Great Falls Elementary Great Falls | 11.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Great Falls High Great Falls | 11.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Indian Land High Lancaster | 13.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Andrew Jackson Middle Kershaw | 12.9 mi | 3.8 |
| Andrew Jackson High Kershaw | 13.0 mi | 7.4 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| New Heights Middle Jefferson, SC | 2.7 |
| Sandhills Middle Gaston, SC | 2.9 |
| A. R. Rucker Middle Lancaster, SC | 2.6 |
| Schofield Middle Aiken, SC | 2.5 |
| Chestnut Oaks Middle Sumter, SC | 2.3 |
| Leavelle McCampbell Middle Graniteville, SC | 3.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Middle
What grades does South Middle serve?
South Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend South Middle?
South Middle has an enrollment of approximately 492 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at South Middle is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Middle rank in SC?
South Middle ranks #1,152 of 1,176 schools in SC.
What is South Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
South Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 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 South Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Middle has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is South Middle a charter school?
No, South Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Middle a Title I school?
No, South Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Middle?
100.0% of students at South Middle 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 492
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Lancaster County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 35.2%
- Phone
- (803) 283-8416
Resources & Links
District
Lancaster 01- District Enrollment
- 15,298
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,216
- District Rank
- #20 of 22
Other Schools in This District
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