2023 Best High Schools in the Charleston Area

• 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

• Berkeley County School District, SC•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  74 reviews

Senior: Berkeley Middle College High School is an amazing school. There are so many great opportunities by attending this school. I am seventeen years old and have achieved fifty-one college credit hours while still being enrolled in high school. It is a small school, so the relationships with the staff are strong and you know they will help you every step of the way. This school is an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful to have taken it!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A

• Students 115

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• Johns Island, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  23 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 23 reviews

• grade A

• Students 320

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Charleston, SC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  56 reviews

Senior: I love Bishop England, I can't imagine going to high school anywhere else. BE is very good about pushing me and making me step out of my comfort zone. I definitely feel like I am getting a great education and the staff there is amazing. I know that I can go to any of my teachers with any issues I may have and they will help me because they want me to succeed! The atmosphere at BE is very welcoming and loving. I think just about anyone at BE can find a way to fit in with the variety of different clubs and organizations we have.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A

• Students 668

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Summerville, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  66 reviews

Junior: I love Pinewood Preparatory School! I enrolled to Pinewood my sophomore year the students, staff ,and faculty has made me feel welcome since day one. My school has not only prepared me for college but it has also prepared me for my future after college. Pinewood’s academic program is amazing! This school challenges and pushes students to do their very best which I love. I can’t forget to mention the environment at Pinewood. This school makes you never want to leave. I have attended Pinewood for 2 years now making next year my last year , sadly and I would like to say that I enjoy every second, minute , and day on campus. The teachers loves to help, listen and engage with every student. Students are very welcoming, friendly and caring. Being at Pinewood it’s like having another family. This school is not a very big school, it’s a small campus which makes communication easy. Pinewood is the best decision I ever made.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  480 reviews

Niche User: I attended this school all the way through. At first, I wasn't really used to it, so I hated it. There was too much overcrowding, loudness, and fighting. While this is still very much a problem, it can be a problem across all high schools, plus I got used to it. Other than that, very solid school! Very clean, most teachers are good, and the students all relatively mind their own business and are chill. Definitely the best school out of all public Dorchester district schools. My only real issue still is the lack of service/wifi. I get that it's near a forest and they don't want kids on their phones during class, but it's their responsibility plus it could be dangerous if something bad happens to the school.... Read 480 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,215

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Berkeley County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  401 reviews

Senior: Stratford High School is an extremely welcoming school with readily available resources for each student. Not only does Stratford want what is best for each student, but the school also goes above and beyond to make sure that every student is happy and learning well within the classroom. Outside of the classroom, Stratford High offers many clubs and student activities for all students to enjoy and take part of. It is always refreshing to be around such a spirited school with my peers!... Read 401 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,395

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  649 reviews

Senior: Overall great high school experience! Great senior year experience! So many incredible clubs and teams offered. Phenomenal teachers, guidance counselors, faculty staff members, and administration.... Read 649 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,237

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• 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

• Berkeley County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  192 reviews

Senior: My experience at Hanahan High School wasn’t like the normal high school experience. In 2020 Covid-19 hit and my high school experience was changed for good. Although a lot of my time at high school was through a screen, I still believe that Hanahan did a great job making the experience great overall. If I could change anything it would be the community of people at the school. There are a lot of groups of people when I wish it could be one big family.... Read 192 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 961

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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 3.64 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: I have absolutely loved my time at CA! It is quite small, but I feel a strong sense of family here. I love how the teachers are so supporting. They love on us, and do everything in their power to make sure that we are growing in not only our education, but also in our relationship with our peers, and with God. Attending Cathedral has prepared me not only for college, but for life.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 292

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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

• Berkeley County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: Throughout high school, it was always hard for me to make friends. I had gone to private schools my entire life, and had been bullied at almost every one of them. I was very unhappy and not truly being myself. As soon as I walked into Philip Simmons, I knew it was the place for me. I have made many new friends over the past few years through programs and classes they offer. These include choir, theater, and sports. I really have found the people that support me here, and I have been able to come out and be myself here. Philip Simmons encourages positivity and kindness, and the students show it in so many ways here. You can always count on a teacher being there for you and encouraging you for the best you can be. I have loved my time at Philip Simmons, and without attending here, I wouldn't be who I am today.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 648

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  577 reviews

Alum: My experience at Summerville High School was overall pretty good! I liked the PLTW classes and the variety of clubs you could join. Also, I had great teachers that helped and encouraged us to learn. On the downside, they do not do a very good job advertising the local career school which I found out last minute and got to be a part of the amazing program. The Dorchester county career and technology center helped me to obtain my patient care technician certificate... Read 577 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 3,164

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Berkeley County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  395 reviews

Alum: I went to Cane Bay High School for all four years. I was able to take AP classes, participate in clubs, and have a flexible schedule my senior year. My favorite part about Cane Bay was definitely the guidance counselors, they genuinely cared about the students and helped me a lot with preparing myself for college. Cane Bay is an amazing school! Two of my years there were hindered by the pandemic, but it only made senior year feel much more rewarding.... Read 395 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,928

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Moncks Corner, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: I love that at SJCA age really does not matter. I have worked in the after school program and observed in other ways and one thing that I noticed over and over again is how much the young kids look up to the older kids. I have seen my classmates walk down the preschool and elementary hall with the kids acting like they were a superstar and then I have seen the same kids play with them on the playground. Overall I have loved St. Johns for the eight years I have been ther but I think if there was one thing they could improve on it would be communication. I think that is one aspect that is slightly lacking. There is communication about in school events between emails, parent alerts, and announcements, but I think it would be nice to know about some out of school events to go and support our Cavaliers. Overall, SJCA, to me, is one big family.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B

• Students 333

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  441 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 441 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,776

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1