2023 Best School Districts in South Carolina

• Fort Mill, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  60 reviews

Alum: Fort Mill High was a very enjoyable school to attend. I thought every teacher I had really cared about my education and wanted me to do the best I could. I could always come to them before or after class if I needed extra help on anything, not just classwork. Sports and all of the other activities were very fun to attend and even participate in! Senior year was definitely my favorite year as seniors get so many opportunities and chances to explore the world after high school and they encourage you to figure out what interests you and where you want to go in life.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 19

• Students 16,883

• Irmo, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  71 reviews

Works Here: As a former teacher in this district who has taught in multiple states, I can say that Lex-Rich 5 is doing things right. Their teachers are well trained and kept up to date on the most current teaching practices that positively impact student achievement. They emphasize the importance of valuing the "whole child" and work to be an inclusive learning environment for students of all backgrounds. I would highly encourage parents to enroll their children in this district!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 22

• Students 16,780

• Lexington, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  196 reviews

Senior: I love the schools that I have attended! I have lived in Lexington my whole life and I have attended Elementary, Middle, and High school in Lexington, South Carolina. My experience has been phenomenal so far. Lexington has become a really popular place and has become fairly crowded over the years but the schools are top-notch. I am thankful for the opportunities that all of these schools have given me so far. I would change somethings though such as cancelling school for a few snow flurries or "heavy" rain or a tornado. In South Carolina we hardly ever get snow and tornados. They should rethink the days that are cancelled because of "harsh" weather conditions. Another thing I would change is school food. The portion sizes are awful especially for high schoolers. As a kid who eats a lot of food we are not getting enough food that we need for our bodies. I feel bad for athletes specifically boys who need a lot of calories they need to be eating more food than they are getting.... Read 196 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 31

• Students 27,072

• Clover, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  50 reviews

Junior: Clover School District has provided me with many opportunities and experiences that have helped me become the person I am today. I have gone through many changes throughout my many years at Clover School District and I have often been met with a supportive system of academics, faculty, and community that is configured to fit my needs as a student and as a citizen of Clover. When I was attending Bethel Elementary School, I was constantly inspired by the people who surrounded me. Being consistently told that I had the power to achieve my dreams made me grow incredibly confident with myself and my goals. As I have gotten older, I have encountered different situations with people different then me. Clover has taught me to love boundlessly even when it seems hard.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 10

• Students 8,372

• Campobello, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Alum: The teachers are fantastic they care for the students and are willing to help with furthering education. Even after you graduate they are still open to talking and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. For instance, one of my teachers invited me over to her home for taco Tuesday with her family. This could change by focusing more on job opportunities for those who want to stay in the area and make the classes harder for the upper level students.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,047

• Duncan, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: Teachers are friendly and welcoming. High School is currently undergoing some much needed renovations but otherwise is a really nice school. Admin is always willing to go the extra mile to support students.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 12

• Students 9,028

• Williamston, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  21 reviews

Senior: Since kindergarten, I have found Anderson School District 1 to be my second home. The teachers and staff at all three schools have been nurturing and helpful in my growth. The current administration at Palmetto Elementary School could learn a thing or two from the current administrators of the Palmetto High School. Our high school principals know the students and parents of the students. They value a solid home/school relationship. I recommend this school district for those seeking a nurturing environment for their children. I'm grateful to have spent my childhood here!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 14

• Students 10,116

• Summerville, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  127 reviews

Senior: The school district all-together is very well organized, and the school board cares for students. There is a lack of communication between the staff of the schools and school board, making it difficult to have specific details on specific events at times. This lack of communication puts students at a disadvantage because they are unaware of certain events occurring, and miss out on amazing opportunities throughout the public school system. Also, there are co-op positions available throughout the district schools where students can work in the main offices of schools with the administrative teams and get a better understanding of what goes on in a school during the typical school day. This provides students with amazing opportunities and a good place to jump off of into the real world, as they have would be prepared to be in a workplace in a school and already have the past experience. The district truly looks out for students in the aspect of being prepared to enter the workforce.... Read 127 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 24

• Students 24,684

• Charleston, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  189 reviews

Senior: I have been a student in the Charleston County School District for my entire life, and overall, it has been an amazing experience. After elementary school, I moved on to School of the Arts and majored in Visual Arts until this year, my senior year. I sincerely feel that my artistic abilities were challenged and had the opportunity to grow immensely, something that never could have happened without CCSD or SOA. While I have found these past 12 years with CCSD joyful overall, there are still multiple things that can be improved upon. I believe that my current school, SOA, could increase awareness for students receiving mental health help, as I know this is an issue for many teenagers across the world. Additionally, while I do feel challenged in my courses and succeed in them all, many of my peers have felt stuck or helpless with a class, so encouraging academic help across campuses in CCSD would be a major improvement.... Read 189 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 81

• Students 48,330

• Greenville, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.03 out of 5  320 reviews

Senior: I joined the GCS District 2 years ago when I moved to South Carolina from Michigan. I was put into the virtual program due to the coronavirus and was very concerned and nervous about what that would mean for my schooling and success in high school however, my experience was amazing from the beginning. I had so many supportive and understanding teachers that made learning from home comfortable and easy. The students were all very welcoming and friendly and the classes were all set to the standard of pushing ourselves to be better and learn more just as an in-person school would. I have decided to stay in the GCSVP for 3 years and have loved coming back each time!... Read 320 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 91

• Students 74,094

• Conway, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  247 reviews

Senior: Horry County provides lots of chances for student success in their selected areas of interest. As a Pre-Medicine student, I have lots of opportunities to not only study what I care about but also to receive hands-on experience and practical knowledge. Being able to earn relevant certifications, like a pharmacy technician license, and have internship experiences in real facilities is invaluable to me as a student,... Read 247 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 57

• Students 44,479

• Iva, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: I love the people here! We moved from another state and looked at several other areas to live before choosing the Starr-Iva Community. Coming from a large school, my kids have thrived here.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,549

• Roebuck, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  24 reviews

Alum: I loved Spartanburg District six because of their safety that they provide and the overall experience. They have helped me prepare for college and have provided me with fun activities to participate in. They also provide a great amount of clubs and resources to prepare someone for college. By being involved in the community through these clubs, students get to experience how their society does certain things to survive. Overall, the resources, safety, and clubs have been the best experiences provided by Spartanburg District six.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 13

• Students 11,254

• Spartanburg, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.54 out of 5  48 reviews

Sophomore: It’s Amazing! I absolutely love being in Spartanburg on campus getting to know people and learn new things! People are so kind here and you make lots of new friends and build lots of great relationships. The memories on campus are mind blowing!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 11

• Students 7,052

• Columbia, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  180 reviews

Alum: I really liked R2 and I feel like the counselors at BHS really care about their students and do their best to help us even if they are overwhelmed themselves. Like any school, there are teachers who want to be there and teachers who do not, but overall the teachers do their jobs well and show that they care for their students. Another thing I really liked was the increasing amount of accommodations for Spanish-speaking students, and career fairs. As a recent student (CO '2022) I felt very informed about my options moving forward regardless of my race, family income, or overall background. For example, we learned about careers ranging from nursing, education, HVAC, and even welding. Several times a month visitors from each profession would speak to the students. It was very informative and helpful. The school used incentives like free pizza to get students to come which is smart. Students were also made aware of scholarships and classes at R2i2 (<--Look these up they're great!)... Read 180 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 33

• Students 27,761

• Beaufort, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: I loved attending Beaufort County District Schools! I have had some really brilliant teachers that have invested in my life. I have learned skills in my classes that helped me decide what I want to do when I graduate from high school. Each school that I attended had great teachers as well as extra-curricular activities that provided tons of volunteer opportunities. I have made life-long friends at school, and I would recommend this school system to anyone!... Read 93 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 32

• Students 21,219

• Pendleton, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.45 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: I have been in Anderson School District 4 since 4K at Pendleton Elementary, from there I went to Riverside Middle School, and soon to Pendleton High School. It has been a long journey and I don’t think I would feel as prepared for college next year if I was at any other district. My experiences have been great!... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,755

• Easley, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: High school teachers saw everything and was there for it all. The good, bad, tragic and lazy times in our lives. They always had our backs and we could count on them at any times. Friday nights under the lights was so much more than football. It was where our community came together like family, united and cheered for out team win or lose. Sports running my body in 500 degree weather doing sprints. My coaches were very supportive and always there for me. My overall experience in High school was amazing!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 24

• Students 15,689

• Anderson, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: Me being an athlete this was a great district all the schools seem to work with athletes to make she that they were great on and off the field. With up to date equipment and books its a great place. The students are also very nice to each other and don't segregate new comers. The food was also very good nothing the school fed us was nasty and our pizza could have been sold at a real restaurant. Because of the different career fields surrounding the area its also a very nice and diverse environment people literally from all different parts of the world can be found there looking for opportunities in the work force. I also feel like safety was a priority especially in these times our schools did great jobs making sure that not only the student s but the teachers remained safe during these times by keeping each student socially distanced inside the school and around the school grounds. Many of the kids that graduate from the district go to great colleges afterwards too for scholarships.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 20

• Students 12,771

• Walhalla, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  46 reviews

Senior: Great school district! The West-Oak area schools are some of the cleanest and well upkept in the district. The school district offers many clubs and activities for students to be engaged in. Sports are also a huge part of ones experience and safety is a top priority with administration.... Read 46 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 17

• Students 10,168

• Woodruff, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: Spartanburg County District 4 were focused on the education and wellbeing of the kids. They always helped when you needed help whether it be tutoring or learning a new skill. I don’t have anything in mind they should change. Maybe a little a stricter on the rules because since I’ve been out of High School things have changed and rules that made the school great have been let go.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,718

• Chesnee, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  34 reviews

Junior: I love my school. My entire educational background has been spent at all of Boiling Springs Schools, from elementary to high school. I have had many opportunities to be a part of my community by participating in school activities. When i was in intermediate school, I took gifted classes for my academics, in middle school I took honors classes, was in orchestra, and participated in many different clubs and extra curriculars, and in high school i was given the opportunity to be in early college and now i attend college and high school at Spartanburg Community College. I also have cheered for Boiling Springs since i was in seventh grade and I am now a junior. This school has provided me with so many opportunities and i have never been so thankful!... Read 34 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 14

• Students 10,459

• Abbeville, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: I have had a great overall experience with Abbeville High School. I love my classmates, administrators, and teachers. Abbeville High School is a great academic school. I am also very proud of our athletic programs. The only downfall about Abbeville High School is that it was built on the 1950s, and I am going to a school that my grandparents went to. It is was past due for Abbeville to build a new school. It is not fair to the students of Abbeville High School to go to a school with mold and no air conditioning in the gym. I hope to see changes made to my high school in the next few years.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 9

• Students 2,924

• Moncks Corner, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  128 reviews

Junior: Berkeley County School District is one of the best academic districts I have intended. It is a district that offers a variety of courses to help you prepare for whatever occupational field you want to pursue. This district also allows students of all ages and ethnicity to learn together in the classroom and outside the classroom. Berkeley County School District not only prepares you for the future but challenges you to overcome the obstacles you face along your journey.... Read 128 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 46

• Students 36,575

• Aiken, SC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  91 reviews

Senior: I have been attending Aiken County Public Schools since I began school. I started off in elementary at Jefferson. I later went on to go to Aiken Elementary. I formed very strong bonds with many of my teachers. They pushed me to do my best and achieve great things. I went to Schofield Middle after elementary. This is where I was introduced to many different cultures. I expanded my friend group tremendously, and gained knowledge on all types of different races. I was also introduced to cheerleading. I had a coach who made us work to our full potential. I saw how much hard work paid off! I completed Schofield, and went on to start high school at Aiken High School. I am currently enrolled at this school as a senior. Aiken High has a beautiful new campus and I am more than honored to have be among the first students to study in our new school! Aiken High has great staff that will make sure you do what is needed to graduate. They are very motivational and they love to see students succeed.... Read 91 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 42

• Students 22,538