3905 Persimmon St, Columbia, SC 29205

The school as a whole is wonderful. We’ve had the pleasure of our children being taught by some wonderful teachers. The administration is helpful, supportive, and delightful to interact with. Unfortunately, though the community seems to not appericate or respect the gem of a educational institution they have in the neighborhood. Residents litter school grounds with used condoms, broken glass liquor bottles, beer cans, cigarette boxes & butts. Despite being a Richland One school l, South Kilbourne does not seem to get the same budget, attention, or privilege that other desirable Richland District One Schools such as Rosewood Elementary, A.C. Moore Elementary, and Brennan Elementary receive. It’s apparent that there is neglect on the district’s part and it would appear it’s so, due to South Kilbourne having a predominantly/disproportionately black and low income student body compared to the other school within the same zip code (some less than 2 miles away) that are predominately white and have student from higher income households. South Kilbourne lacks some resources/services that other schools with the district have access to. Lack of police presence to control traffic/enforce school speed zone at the beginning and end of a school day is a concern as many students walk home unescorted by an adult & there’s a lack of sidewalks for pedestrians to ensure safety. Attending to the school grounds to keep hazardous materials away from students (ie used condoms, broken glass, etc). Chain link fencing surrounding parts of the school are damaged and pose a safety hazard as animals can get in, children could slip through, and/or the damaged chain link could injure students if the fell into it. South Kilbourne’s playground equipment looks dated & is minimal- there’s a basketball without hoops, but Rosewood Elementary got a new playground & has iron fencing & better maintained grounds. My children really struggle with being outsiders with being the only white/Asian kids-it’s hard to fit in and they are made to feel different and it gets overwhelming for them at time (ie children obsessively touching their hair). There’s bullying that takes place with some children that are modeling the same violence and aggression their parents teach at home.