For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,992 students in Darlington County, SC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Darlington County, SC are Lamar-spaulding Elementary School, Bay Road Elementary School and St. John's Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Darlington County, SC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the South Carolina public pre school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Darlington County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschool average of 55% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Darlington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lamar-spaulding Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5232 Lamar Highway 401
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 398-6370
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 398-6370
Gr: PK-5 | 496 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #22.
Bay Road Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1251 Bay Road
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 398-6300
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 398-6300
Gr: PK-5 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
St. John's Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
140 Park Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5130
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5130
Gr: PK-5 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
J. L. Cain Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
607 First Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-2450
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-2450
Gr: PK-5 | 533 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #55.
Rosenwald Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
508 Church Street
Society Hill, SC 29593
(843) 398-2700
Society Hill, SC 29593
(843) 398-2700
Gr: PK-5 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: n/an/a
1010 Indian Branch Road
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5070
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5070
Gr: PK-2 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: n/an/a
1615 Blanding Drive
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3310
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3310
Gr: PK-K | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Darlington County, SC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Darlington County, SC include Lamar-spaulding Elementary School, Bay Road Elementary School and St. John's Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Darlington County?
7 public preschools are located in Darlington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Darlington County?
Darlington County public preschools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschools average of 55% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.