2020 Best Schools in the Charleston AreaAbout this List

Academic Magnet High School

• Charleston County School District, SC
• 9-12
• 227 reviews

Senior: As far as receiving a quality education, this school is perfect---not only does it have knowledgeable teachers, the classes are challenging and require diligence and critical thinking. In this sense, it certainly prepares a student for college and beyond. However, this school is completely draining, and many students leave because it has caused them mental health issues, relentless stress, anxiety, and feelings of incompetence. If you're willing to potentially go through these issues, I would strongly recommend coming to this school. Despite its difficulty, Academic Magnet is a place of student unity and quality academics.
Read 227 Reviews

• A+

• 658 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Porter-Gaud School

• Private School
• Charleston, SC
• 1-12
• 47 reviews

Parent: Porter-Gaud has an unbeatable mix of a broad array of classes from regular classes to AP, state championship winning athletics (with nationally recognized athletes), and a strong Christian foundation (but one that is, at the same time, supportive of many diverse faiths including Jewish, Muslim and non-believers.) Leans 60/40 more towards boys because of its history as a boys’ school and an outstanding all girls’ school in town to compete with, but the girls who attend PG love it and don’t feel marginalized or minority. Great school spirit, nice families, top notch teachers who attended such schools as Stanford, Williams, William and Mary, and other top schools themselves. Small class sizes average about 14 in a class, but some classes might have just 5 or 6 kids in it depending on what it is. Excellent college placement program & staff. Warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Read 47 Reviews

• A+

• 942 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ashley Hall School

• Private School
• Charleston, SC
• PK, K-12
• 46 reviews

Parent: We have two daughters attending this school now. They are absolutely thriving, receiving a top notch education and benefitting on countless levels in the single gender education model. Ashley Hall accomplishes a balanced approach to liberal arts with emphasis on the arts and STEAM education in particular. We are consistently impressed with the girls' developing confidence, leadership mentality and connection to their community and greater world around them. The Ashley Hall Hallmarks are introduced early and woven into the cultural fabric of the school, tying closely to the mission.
Read 46 Reviews

• A+

• 637 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Charleston School of the Arts

• Charleston County School District, SC
• 6-12
• 223 reviews

Alum: My experience at SOA was amazing. I came into the school as a band major and throughout the four years I been there, I became more of a beast when it came to playing the bass trombone. Due to my band director motivating me back then, it made me push and practice even harder. Now I'm in college majoring in music. The support system at the school was and still is 100%! Not only support from the students, but from the teachers as well. The school shows a lot of creativity and freedom for students. SOA is different from other schools down in South Carolina, SOA is colorful and unique. That's why I'm grateful that I attended and graduated from there, because it shaped and molded me into the musician that I am today.
Read 223 Reviews

• A

• 1,112 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wando High School

• Charleston County School District, SC
• 9-12
• 725 reviews

Junior: Being at an overcrowded school, may sound bad to some people but over the years of being there I’ve meet a lot of amazing people . The atmosphere of Wando is really nice it’s like everybody is involved into the school spirit some way. What I like about Wando is the fact that they have so many clubs that could fit any body interest and if there’s not a club that fit somebody interests then they can create a new club . Somethings I could change about Wando is having the students voices being heard by the teachers and administrators. What I mean by that is that I want the adults to hear our opinions and suggestions and take it upon consideration . Being at Wando has teach me a lot even though it’s a overcrowded school you’ll learn a lot .!
Read 725 Reviews

• A

• 4,069 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Beech Hill Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5

• A

• 941 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Palmetto Scholars Academy

• Public School
• North Charleston, SC
• 6-12
• 50 reviews

Alum: There’s none better than PSA. Its mission is to provide an accelerated academic environment for students who are academically gifted. PSA is very engaging. Most coursework applies to real-world events and life skills. PSA also has a warm community that is just like family. It's clear that the faculty truly wants us to succeed. Most of the teachers are also academically gifted and experts in their field, so we learn from the best! Another perk is that since the curriculum is accelerated, all graduates finish all required high school work by the first semester of 11th grade. After, students take real college classes through local colleges that PSA partners with. Many teachers at PSA are qualified to teach college classes, so they also teach some. I graduated high school with 22 college credit hours and academic honors, which was all built into PSA's curriculum! If you want an amazing high school experience, academic challenges, and a heap of college credit, apply to PSA today!
Read 50 Reviews

• A

• 478 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fort Dorchester Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5
• 3 reviews

Parent: Awesome school! My daughter goes here and has nothing but great things to say about this school. I have had great with communications with all of her teachers and they have been nothing but the best.
Read 3 Reviews

• A

• 1,085 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rollings Middle School of the Arts

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• 6-8
• 18 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 18 Reviews

• A

• 670 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Newington Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5

• A

• 885 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Berkeley County Middle College High School

• Berkeley County School District, SC
• 11-12
• 62 reviews

Junior: I would say that BMC is a wonderful school with a great environment. It provides a quiet environment for those students who are serious about their academics. It also gives students the opportunity to earn their associates degree or transferable credits to their 4 year college. So overall, I would recommend students to join the program.
Read 62 Reviews

• A

• 118 Students
• 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Flowertown Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5
• 4 reviews

Parent: What a wonderful school! The staff, the teachers, and especially the Principal, treat those children as their own and wants all of them to succeed! The PTA is very invovled and makes for a welcoming environment and makes one want to get involved! Keep up the wonderful job!
Read 4 Reviews

• A

• 954 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Montessori Community School

• Charleston County School District, SC
• PK, K-8
• 4 reviews

Alum: I attended Montesorri Community School of Charleston from preschool though sixth grade. At that time, the middle school had not yet been created. I graduated nine years ago, so this review is dated, but I've only heard great things since then. I attended the school before the new building was built. It was a very small and tight knit community. Although the school has expanded, I've been told that this is still mostly true. I loved the school so much. The Montessori element was what made it so great. It's too much to explain here, but I highly recommend independently researching the Montessori method of teaching. The teachers were all wonderful, many of whom still work there today.
Read 4 Reviews

• A

• 255 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School

• Charleston County School District, SC
• K-5

• A

• 622 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Summerville Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5
• 4 reviews

Parent: My daughter attended Kindergarten here for a couple of months before we moved. It's an all around great school!
It is a little faster paced than an average elementary school. Administration and teachers are devoted. Parent involvement is good. Safe environment definitely.
The kids do move quickly from one place to the next, almost rushed at times. That was the only thing my daughter didn't like.
Read 4 Reviews

• A

• 552 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Oakbrook Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5

• A

• 675 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Knightsville Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5

• A

• 809 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jennie Moore Elementary School

• Charleston County School District, SC
• PK, K-5

• A

• 1,130 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sand Hill Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 672 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 835 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bishop England High School

• Private School
• Charleston, SC
• 9-12
• 30 reviews

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 30 Reviews

• A-

• 669 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Marrington Middle School of the Arts

• Berkeley County School District, SC
• 6-8
• 1 review

Alum: It is an up and coming school with a lot of artistic education to offer. Kids who attend this school will get some of the best education the country has to offer. With multiple national educational accolades, Marrington Middle School of the Arts is a great place to jump start your artistic career.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 390 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Joseph R. Pye Elementary School

• Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 828 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Orange Grove Elementary Charter School

• Charleston County School District, SC
• PK, K-7
• 2 reviews

• A-

• 1,057 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Buist Academy

• Charleston County School District, SC
• K-8
• 18 reviews

Freshman: Nothing can compare to the strong and supportive relationships with teachers, specifically the middle school teachers from my limited recollections. Superb school, pure and innocent atmosphere compared to high school and other middle schools!
Read 18 Reviews

• A-

• 479 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio