2024 Best Schools in the Charleston Area

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  289 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 289 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 712

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charleston, SC•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  66 reviews

Junior: There is a genuine care for the wellbeing of students at our school, and it contributes to a great environment in which student-faculty relations are extremely positive. The beautiful campus creates a great vibe for students and when the weather is kind, the general mood of the campus feels enlightened. Every teacher tries their hardest to make sure that each student is fully able to reach competency in any subject. While there are so many positives, the workload can sometimes be inconsistent, and some weeks are incredibly stressful and difficult, yet others can be a walk in the park. Another slightly inconsistent facet of a Porter-Gaud education is the class selections; often times incredibly gifted students are placed in on-level classes with students that do not share similar academic ambitions, while others who are less deserving can be placed in Honors or AP classes.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,059

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  869 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 869 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,994

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Charter Institute at Erskine, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  30 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 30 reviews

• grade A

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Berkeley County School District, SC•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  77 reviews

Senior: This is a great school! The school is comprised of approximately 100 students between the junior and senior classes. The school is located in the TTC Berkeley campus which allows for convenient access to some of the college classes if you're taking it on the Berkeley campus. The teachers and staff here definitely help prepare you for college when it comes to communication skills, coursework, etc. My junior year was basically finishing my high school requirements for graduation then I started taking dual-enrollment classes at TTC. The majority of students who come here graduate with an associate's degree or graduate with quite a few transferrable credits. If your plan is to get an associate's degree when you graduate high school, you definitely should come here. All the college classes you take during the school year are paid for which saves you THOUSANDS of dollars compared to four semesters at a university.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A

• Students 112

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• Mount Pleasant, SC•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: My son is a senior and has been at USL for 7 years. It was the best possible choice for a smart, curious, avid learner. USL challenges kids to rise to their fullest potential and think globally. The teachers are engaging, understanding and willing to go many extra miles for the students. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Currently, my son is in the dual enrollment program taking high school and college classes. It has been a fantastic experience for him. The USL model is unlike everywhere else and that is what makes it amazing. Learning outside the classroom has opens up a world of experience, knowledge, and adventure to the students. It is a great school!... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 74

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Summerville, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: Pinewood and it's faculty/coaches/administrators are like extended family! The academics are challenging and stimulating for our son. The smaller class sizes help tremendously with more one-on-one learning. He excels at baseball and loves the program with all his heart. Friendships abound! The only negative is that sometimes he doesn't enjoy the lunch that's available all the time - seriously, that's the ONLY negative. WE LOVE PINEWOOD! And recommend it 100% to anyone searching for the perfect place to educate their child/children.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Johns Island, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  25 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 25 reviews

• grade A

• Students 320

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  19 reviews

Freshman: Great faculty and great overall atmosphere! Always had plenty to do extra curriculum wise and great academic opportunities. Made me feel ready for high school, already have 5 credits.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A

• Students 791

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: An amazing award winning, nationally recognized arts magnet school that has a curriculum designed for all students from all walks of life. Lottery based enrollment with a very easy quick and straight forward application. In my opinion best elementary school in South Carolina!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 568

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 2-8

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: The teachers care about each individual student. Students are held to a high standard, but supported well enough to get there.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• Students 560

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 899

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 1,006

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  505 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 505 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,407

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• 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

• Students 427

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 992

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 479

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 783

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 628

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: I’ve toured many schools in search of a school that offered diverse learning opportunities and a child-centered environment. We started this school in 2019-2020 and watching ECMCS transition seemingly without effort into virtual and back again has been nothing short of amazing. The leadership and teachers communicated with parents every step of the way.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 447

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: This is definitely a top school. The teachers go above and beyond to work with and challenge the kids. There is great communication: weekly newsletters, website, & social media pages kept up-to-date, and emails from teachers. Time is also spent on character development- LOTS of clubs and community projects to get involved. I feel like my kids are ready for high school and received a private school education in this sweet close-knit community!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,142

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: I wasn't really a smart man prior to being a MMS student, I was lucky enough to be gifted and have teachers that really engaged me in learning. Sadly, the student environment smells of foul lude and other adult topics amongst the students.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,079

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Charleston County School District, SC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

High School Sophomore: My overall experience of this school has been great. I have made close friends and met wonderful people that inspire me. My favorite experiences include but aren't limited to: homecoming, clubs, sports, and friends. This school is unique because it has a good blend of people from different areas, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. Every day, we learn something new even outside the classroom. I would choose this school because of its people.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1