2023 Best High Schools in Charleston County

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: I am a senior at Academic Magnet High School and have attended all four years. This school is academically rigorous and pushes its students to succeed. The school's community is unified and safe in nature and the teachers and staff always have the student population's best interest in mind. Sports and activities are highly active between students, staff, and parents, and they foster a prosperous environment for the school. Students are considerate and kind to one another for the most part. One thing this school must work on is prioritizing racial, cultural, socioeconomic diversity. Academic Magnet is attended by predominantly white, wealthy students while being located in a poorer and historically black area. Seeing the lack of people of color in the student body is discouraging to the school district's educational system. Ultimately, the school is strong in its community and academic value and is well deserving of its #2 high school in the country title.... Read 281 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 698

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charleston, SC•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  62 reviews

Senior: A Porter-Gaud education has provided me with a glimpse of what to expect in college. The courses are interesting and they prepared me for the next step in my education journey. The teachers were both helpful and took great interest in my future and provided assistance when necessary. Further, the interaction among students and faculty was an educational experience in and of itself. Besides the learning, I have met with what I consider to be lifelong friends!... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,059

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  264 reviews

Alum: I've just completed my senior year and been at other schools before this one; this one has to have the best learning and friendly environment out of all of them. Most teachers were passionate about what they taught and understood if I had asked them for some help out of class via email or in person. A big issue with this school is how they handle big events. It was always difficult for me to ever know any information before these events or for other students to be unless they were directly involved. And then it was a 50/50 chance if these events even went well through all the "trial and errors". Just a heads up before you spend 60-70 dollars at a dance won't even like!... Read 264 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,120

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Charleston, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  60 reviews

Middle School Student: I think that Ashley Hall is a wonderful school even though I am in seventh grade it has already given me amazing social skills and prepares you for the next big thing every year. The school has some amazing teachers who engage with their students and the school has some amazing girls in the school. I have been at this school since Second grade and I have definitely made some life long friends. there are some ups and downs with girls at the school but most of the girls are very respectful to their teachers and their peers. even though we all seem like snobs not all of us come from backgrounds were our parents have lots of money. we all work very hard to make sure that the other girls in our grade feel seen and heard. the school also offers some great art electives, the four art electives are Theater, Art, Orchestra, and choir. You have two modern languages to chose from and you have the choice to take latin. overall I love this school and your daughter might also love it aswell.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• Students 637

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  855 reviews

Senior: Wando has a lot of opportunities to get involved through their vast amount of clubs. There are also plenty of leadership and AP/dual enrollment opportunities as well as plenty of class options. Early outs and late in are available and are literally the best! I have loved all of my teachers except for two. Many of the teachers are extremely kind and truly care about their students. Additionally, the students as a whole are very nice and welcoming. For my fellow LGBTQ members, you'll be pleased to know that Wando is a safe place with its very own GSA club. One problem is the class scheduling which can be very confusing and frustrating. That said, I have had all of my classes work out just fine. There is also a lack of communication which can also make things very confusing. Another thing to take note of is that there are frequent fights and drug use, but generally you won't see those things. Overall, I have had a great experience at Wando!... Read 855 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,330

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Johns Island, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: We absolutely love the education that both of my kids received at CCS. Both attended from middle school until graduation and they both received multiple top college acceptances along with scholarships. But it is more than college acceptances - they both developed a love of learning. They also learned to be advocates for themselves and others. I am grateful for their intern experience in high school because it helped them choose a career path instead of being undecided in college. I would work 2 jobs over and over again so that my kids could attend CCS!... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• Students 320

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  76 reviews

Senior: Palmetto Scholars Academy is a wonderful school that is relatively small and is bustling when exerience and talented teachers. The school has dual enrollement classes, FBLA, Mission Design, alongside other competitions to keep your student engaged within the school. The school itself has a growing music program and is pushing through these trying times with online classes to better fit the current environment. The teachers always intend to know their students and to be able to help them in their times of need with support from school conselors always being a constant. The school has a wide range of classes available including AP Calculus AB to GSSM's Accelerate program. Students are given many decisions and be informed about possible scholarship opportunities, volunteer service, internships and of organizations such as National Honor Society. Overall a wonderful experience for gifted students as the school is intended to care for gifted and talented individuals.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 516

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charter Institute at Erskine, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  23 reviews

Junior: The school itself is still growing and getting bigger each year, but the community is amazing. Everybody knows everybody and everybody loves everybody! The academics are great! They challenge you but don’t make you dread doing schoolwork. Everything in the classrooms is very straight to the point. There’s no fooling around, students are there to go to class, get their schoolwork done, and then go to their sports practice. The school holds academics and athletics at the same importance, the goal is to produce student athletes that will already be used to a packed schedule like the ones a college athlete would have. The sports administration watches all athlete’s grades to make sure no one is struggling or falling behind on their schoolwork. Teachers offer tutoring and students often tutor other students as well. They school is great, I have loved attending Oceanside and I cannot wait to graduate from an amazing school!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 669

• Student-teacher ratio 48:1

• Mount Pleasant, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  41 reviews

Senior: Overall the school is awesome if you are looking for a smaller private school. The teachers and administration are amazing and really do care for the students. The school is working out a few things such as policies and rules. As a student it can be difficult to get your ideas to happen, but they do try most of the time. I would recommend the school to my friends!... Read 41 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 811

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Charleston, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  29 reviews

Junior: First Baptist students see each other as family. As any other family there are differences, disagreements, and problems between people, but when it comes to school spirt and pride all of the students come together to support their school. Sports are a large part of social life and culture at First Baptist; players push each other to perform the best they can in and out of the classroom.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 502

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• North Charleston, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: I loved Northside! I feel well prepared for college because of the amazing English program! Great athletic program especially volleyball!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  263 reviews

Senior: James Island High School is a top tier school in many ways. Our school is one of the only with an IB program in the low country, exceeds in many sports, and provides a comfortable learning environment for all students. The school provides many resources for students including a new IT building. The environment is clean and comfortable with upgrades furniture and decor. Although the school is very nice, some things should change. The communication process of the school needs improvement and the little things such as school lunch and parking space needs to be improved.... Read 263 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,580

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  442 reviews

Junior: Great! All of the teachers are amazing, and the students are really nice too. I came when the school year started in August, and I have to say that it is rather great. The teachers really try to help you learn and pass. They don't try to give you work and don't care if you fail or not, they actually care and want you to pass. They go to measures so you can pass. Not to mention the school events and clubs are pretty awesome too!... Read 442 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,776

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  94 reviews

Senior: CCSMS is a really good school where kids can learn about new things. But my experience was good could’ve been better. I wanted to learn more of everything instead of things I already learned in middle school. Some of the teachers there are very nice and thrive you to be successful!... Read 94 reviews

• grade B

• Students 561

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-10

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: Although Lucy Beckham Highschool is brand new, this school is great and highly recommended for an upcoming freshman. This school has great school spirit and is constantly holding events to engage students in their school. All the teachers and administrators truly care about the students here, always doing what they can to make sure they are academically and mentally well. This year Beckham is experiencing their first graduating class and has prepared extensively for this. Something I wish they will improve is the college application process, its still very confusing, but because this is the first senior class I see this improving in the future.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 738

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  188 reviews

Senior: The school itself is a very average high school. The teachers and staff that make up the school make the experience amazing. They are truly invested in their students and getting them to succeed to develop and mature into young adults. They are invested in the student's future and always come to school with their best intentions in making the high school experience the best it can be. The only thing that would give R.B. Stall High a 4 star instead of 5 stars is the slight annoyance of student behavior as well as the school lunch not being as delectable, given it is free and reduced lunch, but it's just the preparation of the food is not the best. Despite those minor grievances, overall the school is great, and I'm happy to be a warrior.... Read 188 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,706

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: I love my high school. With a small student body of about 400 students, we feel like a true family. The teachers know all of the students personally and truly care about their well being. It is very easy to get the majority of students involved in our community and school activities. The class sizes are small, so it is easy to get close with our peers and work together for common goals. In addition, 90% of the students all came from the local middle school, so everyone basically grew up together. It is such a safe and loving community at St. John’s High School.... Read 72 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 377

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: Great experience here, had many fun memories and lifelong connections with teachers. The STEM programs could use some work, as well as the sports and arts programs. It does have an agricultural program (FFA) that is excelling extremely well!... Read 20 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 533

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  16 reviews

Alum: Allegro Charter School is one of a kind. I have had the pleasure of spending my entire high school time at this school. The school ranges from 6th grade to 12th and the class sizes are small, while the teachers are very accommodating to each child. I love the way the school incorporates music into the curriculum and I have learned so much. I would not change a thing about this school. I cannot wait to watch my three younger siblings go through Allegro and get the same experience.... Read 16 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 201

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  61 reviews

Senior: If I had to name a couple of things I liked about Burke High School, it would be how to school is each otherś backbone. Despite the obstacles students, teachers, administration, custodians, etc face daily, the school is a family. If something had to change it would be the way education is being taught there. The students have the ability to do the work and make great grades, the amount of determination isn´t there. Maybe if things operate in different ways, the test scores would increase dramatically.... Read 61 reviews

• grade C

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: Me honestly being a cougar for 4 straight years i enjoyed being a cougar. It was fun sometimes while it lasted and it also had it's bad times too. The school is honestly a good school, it just really has a really bad background reputation. Students there are really smart and they actually care about the community, it just the big disagreements with each other. but overall my 4 years of being here it was fun, i got to meet a lot of life long friends that'll never leave out of my life.... Read 50 reviews

• grade C

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• grade C

• Students 71

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  63 reviews

Senior: Baptist Hill High School has been a phenomenal school for me. All throughout my years here, I have felt very connected with the teachers and student body. The staff here goes out of their way to ensure each student receives a good education and can receive additional non-academic help if needed.... Read 63 reviews

• grade C minus

• Students 583

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  75 reviews

Alum: Military Magnet is a very good school! The education program is one of the best, and the sports programs get better with each passing year. Overall everything is great, and I would recommend this school to all middle and high school parents.... Read 75 reviews

• grade C minus

• Students 483

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Mount Pleasant, SC•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: USL was a great school. The academic were exceptional, and we had educational field trips every Wednesday to explore the “real world.” USL set up a strong foundation for my high school education and will continue to impact my life throughout college and while working in whatever career of my choice. It is, however, overwhelmingly white, had horrible food (I once was given chicken tenders that were still raw), had no sports, and very few clubs (chess and novel-writing, both of which I were a part of). Overall, I love USL, and it is a fairly new school, so I hope it continues to grow and provide education to more students.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• Students 74

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1