2024 Best Public High Schools in South Carolina

• Hartsville, SC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  169 reviews

Alum: I attended GSSM from 2015-2017 and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. During my tenure, there was not a heavy presence of arts and humanities, however, now it is my understanding that they have a new focus on this at the school to create a more well-balanced curriculum. The professors and staff were so supportive of my academic trajectory and were able to help out whenever I needed them. I spent many hours completing homework in my professors' offices, as well as studying for their exams and attending study sessions. I am forever grateful for my time at this institution, although sometimes, the workload was overwhelming for a 16-18 year old, it prepared me for college more than I knew. College was extremely easy compared to the stress and rigor of GSSM and that allowed me more freedom for self-expression. Following graduation, I still keep in touch with some professors to this day! If you are on the fence-- go!... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 270

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  287 reviews

Senior: Most Magnet peers are quite nice and welcoming. The clubs are quite welcoming and school spirit is competitive at Magnet. Because it is a smaller high school than others in the area, students are able to connect more with the teachers. The average student teacher interaction is quite casual and the teachers do listen to you. However, the workload is tough because the teachers tend not to communicate with one another about assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects. Therefore, there would be waves of work in short periods of time. Overall, the experience is quite pleasant.... Read 287 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 712

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Horry County Schools, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  111 reviews

Sophomore: Amazing school with incredible faculty and staff. Everybody cares so deeply about the students and the students work very hard. There is so much involvement from the student body and it makes the high school experience 10x better and unforgettable. The teachers are so supportive and care about each student on a personal level. I would recommend this school to everyone and if you get the chance to attend, definitely take the opportunity. I wouldn’t have it any other way!... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Darlington County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  155 reviews

Alum: Every experience is what you make it! Overall, my experience at this amazing “home” was nothing but wonderful. I made new friends, met so many new people, and have been given so many amazing opportunities as well. I have experienced so much throughout high school and being apart of Mayo as a Phoenix has been nothing but amazing and has changed my life for the better. I have been apart of so many clubs, events, programs, charities, and organizations that have successfully helped many people all over the world and communities. I love the diversity and differences within this one school as well. The events, occurrences, and experiences that I have been through will live with me forever. At first, I was a bit hesitant on moving schools from my home city, but as I progressed I felt that it was one of the best decision I have ever made. There were so many inspiring and excellent teachers, staff, administrators, and friends who have made it possible to say that at Mayo hard work pays off!... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 313

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  231 reviews

Parent: Greenville Technical Charter High School is a great school! It has small class sizes that allow faculty to get to know students well and help them when needed. The faculty seem to care about the success of each student. The great opportunity exists here to explore Greenville Technical College’s course offerings while in high school, and make progress toward (or complete!) an associate’s degree while still a high school student. Being on the main Greenville Tech campus is an advantage over the other similar charter schools as there are college courses offered on the main campus that are not available on the other Greenville Tech satellite campuses, allowing for a larger variety of college credits to be easily earned. GTCHS retains all of expected high school experiences (athletics, fine arts, student social events, student organizations) while also serving the community by students completing service hours through many varied opportunities. It has been a great choice for our family.... Read 231 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 475

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  153 reviews

Senior: Spring Hill offers many academically challenging courses that are fit for inquisitive and diligent students. Though I'm taking mostly AP classes this year, I'm confident my teachers can get me through my rigorous schedule. Not only do they get the content across, they provide a fun environment as well! Spring Hill is a school of choice, but I'm not completely satisfied with their lottery system. I hope they will implement a more personal application process in the future.... Read 153 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Greenville, SC•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  100 reviews

Junior: I have never felt more prepared and excited for college than I do at this school. Not only is the schedule built like a college schedule, but the same rhetoric applies to class structure and community being built. If you or your kid has a talent for the arts they will get some world class training from world class professors here. Academics are strong, but sometimes overwhelming, and administration and fellow staff has an alarming turn over rate, that being said, if you believe you are a capable student you can make it. Dorms and food are so so. The residence hall is small and dated, and the food provided by Aramark is notoriously bad, but there always seems to be vegan and kosher options available, even if they’re very simple. The social scene still has all the traditional pitfalls of highschool, if not heightened due to the residential living situation, but that is unavoidable. At least the surrounding city of Greenville is fantastic. Overall has been a fantastic experience!... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 207

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  283 reviews

Alum: I love River Bluff so much. Sadly I won’t be able to attend my senior year but the teachers are so understanding and welcoming and they truly care about you. The school itself is absolutely beautiful. The arts department is fabulous and the sports teams and coaches are also great. There’s a lot of school spirit and rivalry that goes on with the sports teams too, and it just makes the high school experience that much more fun. River Bluff will always and forever be my home away from home. Go Gators!... Read 283 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,164

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  266 reviews

Senior: I have attended Charleston County School of the Arts since 6th grade, and I believe attending this school, receiving a highly-rated arts education as well as being a part of the rigorous academic curriculum this school offers, has been an integral part of my success as a high school student and college applicant. One change I would like to see would be more community outreach, letting local schools know about the opportunities School of the Arts offers and assisting in the application and audition process.... Read 266 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,086

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  546 reviews

Senior: My freshman year started as a blast as I met all sorts of people and began exploring what interested me. I conditioned with the girl's basketball team and while I didn't continue my journey with the team, it taught me the value of having routine. I initially joined the school's Mock Trial team as well but I wanted to pursue other interests and quit. I came back my senior year and so far it's been exciting! We progressed to states and hope to make it further this year. While I do not currently partake in the school's athletics anymore, it is very competitive and well-standing. My classes challenge me and allow me to reach beyond my understanding inside the classroom. The reason the school is not 5/5 is because it is a little dirty and there is starting to be a shortage of teachers.... Read 546 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,813

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  867 reviews

Senior: Great Educational Experience! As a student, I was able to prepare for college through rigorous academic coursework. The ability to take Honors and AP Classes allowed me to earn a weighted grade point average that is impressive when applying for colleges. By taking advantage of the course offered through the Center for Advanced Studies, I was able to take medical coursework that prepared me for my future nursing degree. Wando truly develops the whole student by offering advanced studies in culinary science, engineering, auto shop, cosmetology, business, and media technology. Wando offers an array of athletic teams, clubs, and has an award winning marching band. The staff at Wando are tireless workers for each student at Wando High School.... Read 867 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,994

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Charter Institute at Erskine, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.72 out of 5  29 reviews

Junior: At our school, we truly have the best of both worlds through high levels of academics and athletics. Students who participate in sports train for part of the day and attend school the other half. We have rigorous training and academics. Our school offers honors and Dual Enrollment classes through our local Technical College. It's a great way to earn college credits while in high school. While our school is different than the traditional high school, that's what makes us unique and respected. Go Landsharks!... Read 29 reviews

• grade A

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• 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 112

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  518 reviews

Senior: Fort Mill High School is one of the nicest schools I've attended. I travel a lot for band competitions and see many different schools all over South Carolina. The staff are excellent and the teachers work hard every day to engage us, the students, in learning. My only bad experience though was with a teacher in the English Department, who illegally rewrote my 504. I was struggling in class with submitting things on time and she made it harder for me by being able to deny my extended deadlines for all my classes. Something I'd like to see change in FMHS is having a better understanding of kids with special needs and having staff have a better understanding of 504s and IEPs. Teachers should take their time to learn about their students and their needs for school and to help further their education.... Read 518 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,012

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lexington County School District One, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  517 reviews

Freshman: Best Parts: The teachers here are outstanding and work hard to serve the needs of the students every day. They take time from their busy day to serve and help the students in any way possible. One good part about my experience is the fun activities that you get to participate in as there are a variety of classes. These classes serve the student as a whole and further sets them up for life. Worst Parts/Change: The students could learn to change, and help the teachers a little better making their lives easier. Some students tend to neglect school, but MOST of the students actively participate and learn new things daily. One thing LHS could do to change is to encourage the students to change their character a little bit making the lives of teachers a little bit easier. Overall, LHS is an excellent school, and the environment, student body, etc are terrific. There is always room to improve, and with a few changes, LHS can be an even better school.... Read 517 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,352

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Greenville County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  228 reviews

Senior: Academics at Greenville Senior High Academy are both challenging and rewarding. The teachers are passionate about their subjects and always encourage us to strive for excellence. They provide many resources to help us succeed, and the school has a well-equipped library and computer labs for research and projects. One of my favorite things about this school is the wide range of extracurricular activities available. There are numerous clubs to join, like the Debate Club, Robotics Club, or Drama Club. Im personally involved in the Music Club, where I get to explore my passion for playing the piano. The sports program here is fantastic too! We have competitive teams for basketball, soccer, or track and field. Its great to see our school spirit come alive during sports events and pep rallies. Overall, my experience at Greenville Senior High Academy has been positive. Its a place where Ive grown academically and personally, and Im grateful for the memories and opportunities it has provided.... Read 228 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,634

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: My experience at Greer Middle College Charter High School has been wonderful! The teachers are truly extraordinary and they go out of their way to help their students. The administration does an excellent job of running everything and keeping everyone on top of their game. As a student with an IEP, I must say that Greer Middle College does a tremendous job of making sure I have access to all of my accommodations and that I will always get help when I need it. They are also extremely excellent at working with both the parents and students to make sure that the student is fully covered and that they have everything they need.... Read 158 reviews

• grade A

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Richland School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  678 reviews

Alum: I attended Blythewood High School from 2019 to 2023 and let me tell you, this school made me feel so comfortable. The staff and teachers were all super nice, and the counselors were all eager to assist me in my academic journey. I made a lot of friends there and almost wish I hadn't left. During my Senior Assembly, they made a video showcasing all our memories, and I almost teared up. The school hosts several events and opportunities to get involved that really make time there memorable. If there was ever any advice that I could give for new students coming to Blythewood, I would say to make friends with your teachers and get involved. Also, the halls are long(it's a big school!) so make sure you have good walking shoes! Good luck at Blythewood and leave time for fun!... Read 678 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,956

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  267 reviews

Parent: Love the fact it's a smaller environment, it's structured, they hold kids accountable. The education I'm very happy with. I think it has a good mix of physical learning environment and technology. I wish they had more opportunities for sports and clubs to join. Lunch program is to expensive. This is common in all schools these days, but I think their should be a break within the day. Adults get one, kids should too. The fact that kids after freshman year do not get PE is disappointing. So no outlet to get moving and a break during the day. If it was a job it would be required to offer a break, but not in a school. They are working hard for 6+hours a day, 5 days a week. Just my thoughts. Prefer this school as an alternative to the over crowded, unruly, lost in the crowd public HS.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A

• Students 447

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  531 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 531 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,708

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Richland School District No. 1, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  269 reviews

Senior: I love the academic opportunities available at Dreher High School. I feel as though they can provide me with the resources I need in order to succeed in my academics. I am also greatly appreciative of the diverse student population that attends Dreher. I am able to connect with students of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The people at Dreher are outstanding and they are also accompanied by the most respectful staff members in the state of South Carolina. The efforts of the teachers and staff are heavily reflected in the outstanding grades and test scores that the students produce. There are no changes I would make to Dreher. I have only had positive experiences and I am beyond happy with how the school is run.... Read 269 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,183

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Anderson School District No. 1, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  106 reviews

Alum: Powdersville High School is your typical small rural town school. It's size is just big enough where there are a variety of students but small enough to where the students can build interpersonal relationships with their teachers. It is a healthy environment that can be used to help influence the lives of the future generations, I could have gone to other schools, but I am a Patriot through and through!... Read 106 reviews

• grade A

• Students 964

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Greenville County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  357 reviews

Senior: Riverside has great options for different career paths (electives, etc) and I have felt they have done what's needed to succeed in college for the most part, regarding curriculum and testing. However, I do believe the school can do much better in guiding their students through different options for graduation and college plans from the start of Freshman year- including early graduation, dual enrollment and getting your Associate's degree while in high school, and just more college prep in general apart from the regular curriculum and classes. I missed many opportunities due to my counselors and teachers not being informed enough about the college process and scholarships, etc. I have been taught by many outstanding educators that care about their students and their well-being. I also wish there was something done about unity within each class and having a more personal connection with everyone overall- from someone coming from a foreign country where this was the norm.... Read 357 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,810

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  345 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 345 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,592

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  496 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 496 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,407

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1