2023 Best Public High Schools in the Columbia Area

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.84 out of 5  143 reviews

Senior: Spring Hill High School is not like any other school in District 5. Spring Hill does not have any sports teams which may seem weird for a high school but this actually encourages the students to focus more on academics. Spring Hill also has many clubs like Beta Club, National Honor Society, DECA, and HOSA but there are also clubs that students have made such as: Cheese Club, Gaming Club, and Drawing Club. At Spring Hill, students have the freedom to do pretty much anything. For example, during lunch students are given an hour to either eat lunch, participate in sports in the gym, or receive academic assistance from teachers if needed. Lastly, Spring Hill has the best teachers in the world! All of the teachers at Spring Hill willingly give up their time in the mornings or after school in order to offer extra help for students which I think is AMAZING! Overall, Spring Hill is flooded with student involvement and student spirit which makes it a great place to be.... Read 143 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,135

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  521 reviews

Senior: I was part of DFHS's STEM magnet program since 9th grade, and I enjoyed the high variety in options for curriculum students had the option to choose, as well as an abundance of extracurricular opportunities ranging from community service to STEM related to supporting the school's spirit and community. However, DFHS and its surrounding district are not perfect, and I would like to see the school's communications to students and parents improve in the aspects of most everything, and the school itself is beginning to show its age, so it is in need of some renovations and modernization. The football team is impressive, though as someone not particularly interested in football, it is a little hard seeing the school invest so much funds into football and very little into other extracurricular activities like robotics or other student-led clubs.... Read 521 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,647

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  273 reviews

Senior: At River Bluff High School, you learn so much! In addition to learning what you need to graduate, you also learn about yourself and others. You get to build friendships, relationships, skills that help you in school as well as the outside world! You learn more than just the basic academic courses such as maths, science, english, and history. You also get the chance to learn about yourself, like what you want to do, what you don't want to do, etc.... Read 273 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,171

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  506 reviews

Senior: At Lexington High School, I've been given numerous opportunities and experiences. Since moving to this school for my Senior year, I've met so many nice people, been welcomed into amazing preparation clubs, and been able to learn from while teaching numerous people around me! I've met so many kind and intelligent people here and am excited for all the memories and friends I'm soon going to make!... Read 506 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,202

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  263 reviews

Senior: Dreher High School has provided me with an endless supply of opportunities and resources throughout the last 3 years that will forever hold a positive place in my heart. Not only does Dreher employ faculty and staff members that are passionate about their jobs, on numerous occasions, the teachers at Dreher have gone out of their way to provide academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities to my fellow students and I. Every student is given the opportunity to make a connection with a teacher that can go beyond the subject at hand and turn into a much needed mentor-ship during the unpredictable time of our adolescent years. The resources that have been given to the student body of Dreher High School will provide opportunities and lessons that will last a lifetime!... Read 263 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,150

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  670 reviews

Parent: Blythewood HS is a fantastic school! From the first day of freshman year, they strive to create an environment where all kids are included. The clubs and sports and other activities provide a range of opportunities for all students. The teachers are amazing and the admin never hesitates to help out when needed. Truly proud to be a part of the Bengal community!... Read 670 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,858

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  337 reviews

Senior: Chapin High School was a great school for learning and diversity. I have been enrolled at CHS for all four years and have loved most of my teachers and classmates. I have joined many clubs and have developed into presidents and vice presidents for most of them I joined. In addition to their academics, their athletic programs are great. I am involved in both Varsity track and cross country and am Varsity and Team leaders for both. Going back to academics, I have made friends with most of my teachers that most have provided me with excellent letters of recommendations and words. I believe it is very important to make special relationships with teachers because they are the people that train you for your life. The only issue with Chapin is that their response to COVID-19 was poor. No social distancing took place and virtual learning was made very difficult. However, the school is still amazing and I hope one day that my children will attend a schools such as this one. Go Eagles!... Read 337 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,549

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  510 reviews

Senior: I have had a great experience at Spring Valley High School in the past four years! I have been pushed and loved and have learned what it takes to be a hard worker. I learned leadership skills and respect by being involved in clubs! I can also with complete confidence say that the diversity in this school and in athletics is incredible and so encouraging! I would not have wanted to go anywhere else! Shoutout to all the teachers I had as well, they were tremendously helpful, patient, and encouraging! Thank you Spring Valley High.... Read 510 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,093

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  345 reviews

Senior: I loved Flora. I loved the diverse environment, the dedication of the teachers, and exciting opportunities they offered. Even during COVID, most of my teachers were engaging and put in effort to help us learn. I did IB, so my teachers were definitely the best of the best. However, even before IB, I had a lot of good teachers that loved their jobs. In addition, administration works diligently to create a welcoming environment for every student. Even though there was some level of fighting and violence, I never felt unsafe or at risk. I think it is important to be exposed to real-world situations and different types of people. I definitely would recommend Flora to any rising freshmen.... Read 345 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,363

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  35 reviews

Junior: I decided to transfer here for my last two years of highschool and these past couple of months of me being there i have been really great and so many academic opportunities. I'm currently a dual enrollment student and i think its really great to actually be on a college campus to see what college life really looks like, there's so much freedom at this school! I would highly recommend this school.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B

• Students 60

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Charter Institute at Erskine, SC•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  51 reviews

Alum: Gray Collegiate Academy was a blessing the 4 years that I attended (2015-2019). The small atmosphere allowed students to have a close connection with teachers and staff. Also being an athlete was a great experience which allow me to build relationships with my teammates that are strong to this day. Great school!... Read 51 reviews

• grade B

• Students 623

• Student-teacher ratio 35:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  547 reviews

Freshman: My High School, seated in Lexington, South Carolina is probably like most high schools you'd find. They offer the basics, the arts, and the advanced classes all in the same place. The teachers (mostly) are understanding and allow their students to explain their situations in a way that will help build a bond. My favorite part of my high school is the Center for Advanced Medical studies. This building/program offers advanced (all Honors or AP credit) classes that help nurture the pursuit of high education for students interested in the medical field. It looks excellent on transcripts and helps the White Knoll Graduates stand out to collages they're applying to.... Read 547 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,128

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  649 reviews

Sophomore: I would not trade this school for the world! Everyone has a kind heart and shows lots of passion for everything they do! The administration is very cooperative. The diversity at the school is also something that catches attention. Good in all areas, Ridge View High School has benefited kids in sports, careers, and etc. With over multiple players of college acceptances and over 3 programs/ magnets within the school. I would definitely say that Ridge View High School is an amazing school.... Read 649 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,654

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Kershaw County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  168 reviews

Senior: In my opinion, Camden High School is one of the best high schools there is. We have amazing teachers and great administrators who help us reach/ achieve our goals. We also have amazing sports teams and very many hard working students because even when they're involved in a sport, they still make time for school. There is not much I would change about this school and I've been honored to be able to attend this school for the last 4 years and receive my high school diploma from the best Ole' High School!... Read 168 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,012

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  177 reviews

Sophomore: Gilbert High is such a great inclusive environment and our school pride has always shined through! We have great success within the various aspects of our school: fine arts, sports, and academics. We all find a way to make each other feel safe and welcome in our school atmosphere. The teachers, students, and staff always make sure to check on each other and provide support whenever needed. I absolutely LOVE this school and could not ask for a better high school experience.... Read 177 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lexington County School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  166 reviews

Junior: Brookline-Cayce High School is an amazing school. Despite being one of the most diverse schools in the state, the students and faculty come together as one large family. As a student, i can confidently say that i have lived some of my best days as a student at brookland-cayce. go bearcats!... Read 166 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,075

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Kershaw County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  345 reviews

Senior: I like the courses, students, and faculty at Lugoff-Elgin High School. Lugoff-Elgin High School has plenty of extra-curricular activities/clubs and sports to offer! Lugoff-Elgin High School is a great public high school in the Midlands and in the state of South Carolina.... Read 345 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,643

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  411 reviews

Junior: I love being at Richland Northeast High School. It is a very interactive school with lots of activities for students. There are many clubs, pep rallies, sports, magnets, and other activities for every student. Everyone has a lot of school spirit even when our sports team isn't the best. The teachers are wonderful and are available for extra help when needed. It is overall a great school and I am proud to be a Cavalier!... Read 411 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,394

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  405 reviews

Junior: I'm glad that I chose Irmo over the other schools in the district! I am currently a enrolled as a junior, and can safely say that experience there has been nothing short of amazing! Not only does it offer a variety intensive programs (such as AP, IB Diploma, and IB Career), but it is diverse and promotes independence among students, so that they can learn to grow and take responsibility for their own actions. Additionally, it is filled with some of the kindest souls, both students and teachers, that I have ever met. They make the environment feel fun, friendly, and home-like at all times. I highly recommend Irmo to anyone who is not sure where to go to school in District 5!... Read 405 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,216

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  194 reviews

Alum: I attended Westwood High School from 2014-2018. I learned a lot and I grew a lot. It was a very hard transition from middle school to high school, but I made it work for ME! When I stepped on the grounds of Westwood, the school seemed so HUGE! It looked like a castle! I thought to myself, "Oh Lord, I'm going to get lost!" My hands were trembling and my knees were shaking. After some self encouragement, I got myself together and walked through those doors. Westwood High School, here I am. I thought to myself, this isn't so bad! I gained some courage and started for looking for my classes. I was ready to take on the world now. I knew that I would do my best. My overall experience at Westwood was awesome. I got involved in various clubs and activities. I took part in the marching band and thoroughly enjoyed it! The teachers were great! They made sure that I received everything that I needed before entering college. I definitely appreciate the time spent at Westwood High School!... Read 194 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,512

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  22 reviews

Junior: I enjoy attending Midlands Middle College because everyone there is extremely helpful. All of the teachers care about your grades and do everything they can to help you have a successful future. They also try to make school pleasurable by giving us fun activities to complete in class. Midlands Middle College definitely helps reduce the amount of stress on their students because they actually take into consideration that students have lives outside of school. Midlands Middle College has helped me realize that school isn't necessarily something that should be stressful, but something that's supposed to help you become successful in life.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 89

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lexington County School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  217 reviews

Senior: Airport High is school to many amazing individuals. It is a school that allows opportunity for all students. My overall experience at Airport is the best! The teachers are all champions to us. They always put their all in everything to ensure their student's success. Aside from academics, Airport houses nationally recognized ROTC, award-winning Special Olympics, an amazing athletics department, and an ever excelling student council. The school spirit is amazing, staff and administration work hard to ensure that every students that walks through those halls feel like they belong.... Read 217 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,337

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  76 reviews

Senior: I loved the teachers and staff! Almost everyone is very welcoming, nice, and understanding. The only problem is that the administration doesn't have enough respect for their teachers.... Read 76 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 707

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  121 reviews

Sophomore: W.J. Keenan helped me stand out from the other students, find myself, and network with others. I went into high school traumatized by middle school; however, Keenan helped me overcome multiple obstacles. It is a school that is in favor of their students, faculty and stuff. It is almost like a huge family which makes everything much better. Going to a high school that is welcoming is the most loving thing.... Read 121 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 725

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lexington County School District No. 4, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.13 out of 5  130 reviews

Senior: After 4 years of attending Swansea High School, I am proud to soon be a graduate of such a small, loving community and school. At Swansea, we’re able to establish great relationships with every faculty memeber and all of our peers. We are strong believers of tiger pride and the whole community supports every sport and other extracurricular activities at our school. That love and support is not granted to many other large, richer schools because of the excessive amount of teachers and students they have. Swansea is a small school and doesn’t offer much exposure or many resources like other schools. I do believe there is room for improvement for our school to continue to grow and prosper by adding more foreign languages and AP classes. However, I believe that Swansea is very warm and welcoming, every student at Swansea High feels as if they’re home and are able to learn in a comfortable, respectful atmosphere! I’m proud to be a Swansea Tiger!... Read 130 reviews

• grade C

• Students 651

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1