At a glance
Reported students
114
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
12
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
9.5:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–06
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
South Carolina elementary enrollment
2nd percentile
Compared with 679 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
386.5
Carolina School for Inquiry: 114 reported students.
State peer staffing position
6th percentile
9.5:1 reported; state peer median 13.4:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 124
- Teachers (FTE)
- 12
- Student–teacher ratio
- 10.3:1
What the reported data says about Carolina School for Inquiry
Carolina School for Inquiry is a public elementary school serving grades PK–06 in Columbia. It is one of 48 current school records connected to Richland 01. NCES reports 114 students for 2024–25.
Among 679 elementary schools in South Carolina with comparable records, this school is smaller than the reported median of 509 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 2nd percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 9.5:1, below the South Carolina median of 13.4:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Black (91.2%) and White (3.5%). Students served under IDEA represent 16.9%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Carolina School for Inquiry
- 1How do the reported 9.5:1 student–teacher ratio and 12 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 1 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- Students with disabilities
- 16.9%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 1
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White3.5%
- Hispanic1.8%
- Black91.2%
- Asian0.9%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial2.6%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Richland 01
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Gadsden Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
133 reported students
Webber School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
209 reported students
Arden Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
216 reported students
Edward E. Taylor Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
217 reported students
South Kilbourne Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
234 reported students
Logan Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
237 reported students
Public schools near Carolina School for Inquiry
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Heights Elementary Elementary · Richland 01 | PK–05 | 435 | 1.4 mi |
| J. P. Thomas Elementary Elementary · Richland 01 | PK–05 | 346 | 2.1 mi |
| A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary Elementary · Richland 01 | PK–05 | 358 | 2.5 mi |
| Arden Elementary Elementary · Richland 01 | PK–05 | 216 | 2.9 mi |
| Burton Pack Elementary Elementary · Richland 01 | PK–05 | 255 | 3.4 mi |
| Hyatt Park Elementary Elementary · Richland 01 | PK–05 | 317 | 3.6 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Carolina School for Inquiry
What grades does Carolina School for Inquiry serve?
Carolina School for Inquiry reports grades PK–06 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Richland 01.
How many students attend Carolina School for Inquiry?
Carolina School for Inquiry reported 114 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 2nd percentile among 679 South Carolina elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 124 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Carolina School for Inquiry?
The calculated ratio is 9.5:1, based on 114 students and 12 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The South Carolina median for the same school level is 13.4:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Carolina School for Inquiry a public, charter, or magnet school?
Carolina School for Inquiry is a public school operating as a charter school. Admission can involve an application or lottery, so check enrollment windows with the school.
Which school district is Carolina School for Inquiry in?
Carolina School for Inquiry is part of Richland 01, based in Columbia, SC, which operates 48 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Carolina School for Inquiry?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Forest Heights Elementary (1.4 mi), J. P. Thomas Elementary (2.1 mi), A. J. Lewis Greenview Elementary (2.5 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.