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2022 Best High Schools in the Charleston Area

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  1. Academic Magnet High School

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 268 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Junior: The Academic Magnet High School is definitely something to consider applying to, or consider attending if you have already been accepted. It is generally a great experience, especially with the courses and overall academics. It is noticably smaller than other larger public schools, but the school suits most people who are dedacated in their studies or who have already been accepted. It is competative though, and there will be times where you'll compare yourself to others. For me, it was mostly during my freshman year. Besides that, there is an adequate variety of sport teams. The teams may get competative for you as well, and I would advise to participate in sports you have at least some sort of familiarity with already. If not, I would definitely research some of the basics of the certain sport you are interested in trying. Ultimately, this school can get competative, but I like to think that it's worth it in the end. Besides some social troubles, the academics are nearly flawless!...Read 268 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 687 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Porter-Gaud School

    • Private School
    • CHARLESTON, SC
    • 1-12
    • 58 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    Junior: The opportunities for Porter-Gaud students are incredible and have impacted my life forever. It is really easy to establish a relationship with the teachers because of the class size and accesible office hours. The spirit at games and during homecoming week is so fun especially when you're on the court or field. The administration does a wonderful job addressing any problems head on and effectively. The honor code at Porter-Gaud is unique and establishes great values that will follow us throughout life. I would recommend this school to any of my peers for high school, middle school, and even lower school because academically you will be challenged in a way that is productive. I have never felt unsafe on campus even at night following sports games or after school activities . In regards to the options for activities but there are a lot of different sports, academic clubs, nonacademic clubs, and artistic activities but the great thing is anyone can get involved...Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 942 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Charleston School of the Arts

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 6-12
    • 255 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: Great school for students interested in the arts. The band program I am in is top notch! All the teachers in each art discipline are knowledgable and well-versed. A friendly environment, easy to 'find your village' of friends, and good academic course selections as well...Read 255 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,117 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Ashley Hall School

    • Private School
    • CHARLESTON, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 57 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: Ashley Hall is an all-girls private school in Charleston. Ashey Hall does very well preparing you for college and academically being able to move on to more difficult assignments. Your teachers are always there for you for any questions or extra help. The facility goes out of its way to make holidays and occasions extra special by doing fun skits or singing. I would change the size of the school to make it a little bigger, although other people like the small feel of our community...Read 57 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 637 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Wando High School

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 838 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: I have enjoyed my three and a half years at Wando High School. It has a diverse student body affording you the opportunity to make friends from many different backgrounds. There is a wide variety of classes available to aid students prepare for their future. I have been able to take AP classes and now in my senior year, college classes. Mirroring the variety of classes are the many clubs, sports, the arts and music classes available. I have been in chorus since freshman year and was honored to be accepted into the Show Choir for my senior year. If I was to say there was a negative lurking at Wando it would be the cafeteria food. Even with fast food available, you can only eat so much of it before a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from home looks good!...Read 838 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,890 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Berkeley County Middle College High School

    • Berkeley County School District, SC
    • 11-12
    • 71 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: I have really enjoyed this school! I feel that they provide the best opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. I have been able to attend college full-time my senior year, and create my own schedule. The class size and staff is small, so the teachers provide a great support system!...Read 71 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 105 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Oceanside Collegiate Academy

    • Charter Institute at Erskine, SC
    • 9-12
    • 19 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    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 19 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 662 Students
    • 34:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Palmetto Scholars Academy

    • South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC
    • 6-12
    • 72 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    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 72 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 528 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Bishop England High School

    • Private School
    • CHARLESTON, SC
    • 9-12
    • 49 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    Junior: Bishop England High School is beyond standards of your typical public school. At Bishop England High School, the expectations are set high with everyone who attends. The academics play a huge role and they really pay off! Many diverse and top Ivey League schools are always accepting students from Bishop England High School because of the high academic standards. Much work is assigned, but it really prepares you for college and the future ahead. The sports programs are top notch. No matter what sport, it will not let you down. It will develop you to peak performance and will develop you in skill you need...Read 49 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 668 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Charleston Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • JOHNS ISLAND, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 18 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    Parent: As parents, we were initially drawn to the overall program approach to hands-on learning. Over time, we have been extremely impressed with the collaborative culture and full commitment to our son. We feel the faculty go above and beyond to provide him with individualized attention to academics, care and support. We have no doubt that he will be well prepared for Middle School. The teachers are simply fantastic and we are enjoying getting to know other families in the community which we feel are very warm and welcoming...Read 18 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 320 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Pinewood Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • SUMMERVILLE, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 53 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    Alum: I just graduated after 14 years at Pinewood! I am forever thankful to have gone to this school. Everyone is so compassionate and kind—it really is a family and a home. The teachers are amazing and truly care about the students. They are excellent motivators and mentors. I will definitely keep in touch with several of the teachers I had. The academics are top notch and really prepares a student for college. The class sizes are small which leads to an intimate learning setting where students are able to ask questions and speak their minds. The athletics are up & coming. After winning a state championship in soccer this year, all the other schools better watch out. My favorite thing about Pinewood is the community. Bleed blue forever!...Read 53 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 650 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Ashley Ridge High School

    • Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
    • 9-12
    • 458 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Junior: The school is okay. I've never been to any other high schools so I can't really compare it to anything. The environment is nice and we get nice opportunities like the Early College Program and vocational school. I kind of wish ASL was a language we could learn at our school, but I realize there aren't many teachers. We can't even keep a German teacher!...Read 458 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,265 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Stratford High School

    • Berkeley County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 379 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    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 379 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,133 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. First Baptist School

    • Private School
    • CHARLESTON, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 29 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    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

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 502 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Fort Dorchester High School

    • Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
    • 9-12
    • 630 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Alum: My time at Fort Dorchester High School is a part of my life that I look back on fondly, but would never want to return to. It was filled with academic anxiety, depression, and burnout, yes, but it was also filled to the brim with friendship and camaraderie. I can close my eyes and hear my World Histories teacher lecturing us on the War Between the States. I can still hear my IB HL Chemistry teacher encouraging us to try a problem again, with full confidence that we would get it right. I can almost feel the desk I would lean on in English HL, arguing some ridiculous semantic point that had no purpose other than making our teacher laugh. They believed in us more than we believed in ourselves, and I will never forget that for as long as I live. I made friends here that I still talk to, made choices that still affect me today, live a life I couldn't have dreamed of because I went here. The cafeteria food is a solid 3/10, though. Do not recommend...Read 630 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,252 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Palmetto Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • MOUNT PLEASANT, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 40 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    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 40 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Cathedral Academy

    • Private School
    • NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 23 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    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 23 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 292 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Hanahan High School

    • Berkeley County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 187 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: I have attended Hanahan High School for two years now and I am entering my third year. I am a military child and have moved around a lot, and from 2012-2015, my family was stationed in Charleston for the first time. During these three years, I attended Hanahan Elementary and Hanahan Middle School. My family and I loved the Hanahan school system so much that when we were stationed in Charleston for the second time, we made sure to find a house in Hanahan so that my siblings and I could attend Hanahan. I have had great experiences with the teachers and administration. The classes are never too big and the facilities are in great condition. Overall, Hanahan High is a great high school to attend...Read 187 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 971 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Northside Christian School

    • Private School
    • NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 21 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

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

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 276 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. James Island Charter High School

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 258 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: I have attended James Island Charter High School for almost four years now and I have loved it. I am so thankful to be a student at such a diverse school. There is wide variety of courses and extracurricular activities offered at the school. The administrators definitely adapt well and help students deal with changes in the school. The only thing I would change about James Island Charter High School is to lower the cost of the parking pass for students. Other than that, I recommend attending/sending your child to this school...Read 258 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,521 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Philip Simmons High

    • Berkeley County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 11 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: The student-staffulty relationships were a crucial building block for this school. As teachers went out of their ways to help students in all aspects, the community grew closer and closer over time. From quarterly celebrations to weekly recognition of hard-working students, nothing at PSHS goes unnoticed!...Read 11 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 545 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Cane Bay High School

    • Berkeley County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 380 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: Cane Bay High School was definitely an interesting experience over the past 4 years that I have attended. In my opinion, there was never a dull moment here, I mean something was happening all the time. With that being said, the excitement was constantly kept. One of my favorite things about Cane Bay was the opportunities that were provided. No matter your career choice, there was always some type of club to further increase your interest. If you're a sports person, then Cane Bay is definitely for you. You have so many different sports to choose from or you can try a new sport for the fun of it. Track, football, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, wrestling, so much more!!! Of course, academics are key in school so, there is no issue when it comes to going above and beyond. There are different classes for the average student, students who need more challenge, and students who need even more of a challenge. Overall, the school was an incredible experience and I would definitely recommend!...Read 380 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,029 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Summerville High School

    • Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
    • 9-12
    • 557 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: I very much did enjoy my high school experience, I wish I was a little more social and attended more school events, but either than that the experience was great! The staff is amazing, they feel like family. They make you feel loved and comfortable!...Read 557 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,168 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. St. John's Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • MONCKS CORNER, SC
    • PK, K-12
    • 19 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Charleston Area

    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

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 333 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Charleston Charter School for Math & Science

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 6-12
    • 87 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area

    Senior: I like that they provided courses that would prepare us for both college and the workplace. They offer amazing PLTW courses, which gives students insight on what to expect to study in college or possible strategies and methods used in the workplace. I also love that when it came to sports anyone could be apart of the team; I believe in doing this it would help certain students want to participate more in school or athletic activities. The only thing I disliked about CCSMS was that we have a strict dress code to follow. But overall I enjoyed attending CCSMS...Read 87 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 560 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Covenant Life School

    • Private School
    • GAITHERSBURG, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 50 reviews

    Parent: We transferred our children to CLS early in the Pandemic from MCPS to receive in-person schooling so we can continue to work. The amount of dedication and selflessness the staff and teachers displayed during this challenging and stressful time was a testament to their pride in their work and love of God. ...The quality in the schooling is good. Cursive, hand writing, language arts and grammar were deficient in the public schools and I was grateful that it is emphasized here. There was a lot of catching up for my kids! Living a life of good character is discussed regularly. ...My older child’s math did not grow much this year but it was because he was in accelerated math and this is not available at the school. I hope this can change. We are keeping both our children in this school this coming year.Read 50 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 374 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Nativity School

    • Private School
    • CHARLESTON, SC
    • PK, K-8
    • 9 reviews

    Niche User: Great teachers, staff, family-like environment. Just when you didn't think you could actually have a second family called your school family...BAM! Here they are! "Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name...and they're always glad you came..." Our oldest daughter started here in 6th grade after being at a public school from K5-5th grade. While that school was a good fit for some, it never really quite felt right for us. Our daughter spent one day here with the class she would eventually join the following year and she felt welcome by her future classmates. It was a simple choice and we live 30 minutes from the school, 40 or 50 in traffic. We had the same experience with her younger sister who started in 3rd grade. While no school is perfect, Nativity has so much to offer that others do not. We have never regretted our decision. Nativity was perfect for us...Read 9 Reviews

    • 106 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Spencerville Adventist Academy

    • Private School
    • SPENCERVILLE, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 59 reviews

    Senior: SAA is a great school that provides a great christian education. The school is very diverse, which is great. And provides Pre-K through 12 grade! I highly recommend SAA!Read 59 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 361 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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