Carolina School for Inquiry vs J. P. Thomas Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in South Carolina, United States, 3.3 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Carolina School for Inquiry
Columbia · Charter elementary · Grades PK–6
114 students
J. P. Thomas Elementary
Columbia · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
346 students
| Measure | Carolina School for Inquiry Columbia, South Carolina | J. P. Thomas Elementary Columbia, South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 23 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #627 of 688 | #587 of 688 |
| National rank | #42872 of 50,301 | #39968 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Charter | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–6 | Grades PK–5 |
| Students | 114 | 346 |
| Enrollment | 114 | 346 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | – | – |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 12.4 |
| Reading proficiency | 27% | 27% |
| Math proficiency | 22% | 27% |
| city | Columbia | Columbia |
| state | South Carolina | South Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •J. P. Thomas Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (27.7 vs 23.1).
- •J. P. Thomas Elementary does better on math proficiency (27% vs 22%).
- •Carolina School for Inquiry does better on students per teacher (9.5 vs 12.4).
- •J. P. Thomas Elementary is the larger school with 346 students compared with 114.
- •Carolina School for Inquiry is a charter school while J. P. Thomas Elementary is a public school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Carolina School for Inquiry better than J. P. Thomas Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), J. P. Thomas Elementary ranks higher (27.7 vs 23.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Carolina School for Inquiry and J. P. Thomas Elementary?
About 3.3 km in a straight line, between Columbia and Columbia in South Carolina.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Carolina School for Inquiry: 114. J. P. Thomas Elementary: 346. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Carolina School for Inquiry and J. P. Thomas Elementary rank in South Carolina?
Carolina School for Inquiry is 627th of 688 and J. P. Thomas Elementary is 587th of 688 among elementary schools in South Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).