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.

We have several children in our family and close friendship groups who have graduated from Dreher or are currently attending. They have all been served well by the outstanding and caring faculty. They received an excellent eduation and were deeply involved in the arts and athletics. In addtition , they had fun and made lasting friendships with students with widely diverse backgrounds. I attribute the fact that they are comfortable with themselves and form successful business and social relationships easily to the expectations and apreciation for others learned at Dreher. One of my children attributes the fact that he sailed through undergrad and grad programs in programs with intense math concentrations to the outstanding math department where Ms. Murphy and colleagues make even calculus comfortable. The arts program is phenomenal. Some of the children of family and close friends have had difficulties socially and academically but were aslo embraced and encouraged at Dreher. We are all deeply grateful to the Dreher teachers and other staff.

My kid went to hand during her 6th grade year (2020-21) she had an amazing experience and she got along with everyone. She always came home with good grades. The school provides good academic skills that truly work. After we moved I realized there not many schools that have the same standards as hand middle. I would definitely recommend this school.