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Columbia (Richland County) has two districts, Richland 1 and 2. 2 is usually considered to be much better than 1, although 1 does have some isolated schools that are very good. The district itself is absurd with incompetent leadership, both in most schools and in the district office.
Lexington County has five districts, including one that is now called Lexington/Richland 5 (used to be Lexington 5). Same thing, there are occasionally good schools, but even the ones that a lot of people will tell you are good I have been told are terrible by teachers there that I know. (including the fairly new White Knoll HS).
The only thing I can suggest is to visit schools and ask the hard questions, making sure that you look like you mean business and asking follow-up questions when appropriate. Does the school involve the authorities when violent crimes occur on campus? (It's a felony if they don't.) They will say no. Then ask directly about how many violent crimes they have on campus. If the number seems very low it is no doubt a lie.
A friend of mine lives right across the street from Brookland-Cayce high School in Cayce. She sees enough from her porch to know that things have turned bad there.
Take great care.
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