2024 Best Schools in South Carolina

• Hartsville, SC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  168 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 168 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

• Greenville, SC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  67 reviews

Parent: I can't imagine there being a better academic home for our children than Christ Church Episcopal School. This is the kind of place where your children will flourish socially and academically. There is an emphasis on fostering an environment where the child is given the tools and care to be their best self. Every teacher and school employee we have come in contact with has been exceptional! Investing our time, skills and finances into CCES has already yielded tremendous benefits for our entire family. CCES is a blessing in our lives!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,200

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Columbia, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  88 reviews

Parent: We are fortunate that the Columbia area has many wonderful schools to choose from, but do your homework and be sure to visit Heathwood Hall - it stands out among the rest! Lots of schools in Columbia have rigorous academics. But Heathwood has SO.MUCH.MORE. Abundant amounts of time outdoors (for classtime and playtime); two full-time chaplains who teach love and acceptance for all; an extraordinary outdoor leadership program called PEAK; teachers who quickly learn what motivates your child and can connect with them in creative and motivating ways; staff who go above and beyond to enhance the experience; experiential learning opportunities; a social community for your child and their peers AND the parents too. My son is only in elementary school, but I know that he is getting the best, well-rounded education around and it makes it worth the financial sacrifice for our family to invest in Heathwood Hall.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 880

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Hilton Head Island, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  58 reviews

Parent: Several years ago, we were looking for an accredited independent school along the coast of Southeastern United States that would challenge and prepare our children academically while doing so within a safe environment. Now we are honored and truly blessed to call HHP home. The school maintains a challenging curriculum, has outstanding faculty and provides many great opportunities for children to achieve personal and academic excellence. In addition, new leadership at Prep has helped improve a vision of academic success for all students, based on high standards and created a climate of cooperation and collaboration, shared responsibility, and safety.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 430

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: Hi! My name is Jia and I’m an 8th grader at Pleasant Knoll Middle School. I think my school is wonderful for the most part. We have a really great staff as well as facilities such as the computer lab and the library! However, I wish there was more diversity. As you can probably imagine, there also is very little culture and I can’t really express mine. As a South Asian, I think diversity is really important and should be valued. Additionally, our school puts most of its emphasis on sports. The academic as well as the theater, music and art programs don’t get as much funding or materials. I feel as though athletics, academics, and the arts are all equally important and should be treated that way! I do believe Pleasant Knoll Middle is an engaging environment and I am truly lucky to have an opportunity to go to a great school, but there are certainly just a few things I would change.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 932

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Columbia, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: Hammond is an excellent school that will exceed all your expectations. While it provides an academic environment that is challenging, progressive, and innovative, it does so in a setting that is very warm, supportive, and family oriented. In one location, your child has limitless opportunities to receive an amazing education, excel in sports, government, and the arts, travel abroad to spectacular countries, and make long lasting friendships. The dynamics between students and faculty is very positive, which is central to fostering good communication, confidence, and a continued desire to learn for the future college years. Hammond creates leaders!... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 999

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Hilton Head Island, SC•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.89 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: Heritage Academy is in an academic class of its own. It supports the student who is ready for a learning style that encourages growth in strength and weakness. Each child has the ability to focus on their passion/talents through time management. The teachers bring that added special approach and are eager to support each student in reaching their fullest academic potential. Heritage Academy is not an institution that offers the routine "fluff" as with traditional schools. Heritage Academy embraces each student and their needs. Our daughter attends 7th grade and looks forward to attending school each day. She has open and honest relationship with her teachers. Weekly there is follow-up on progress. Our daughter travels often for tennis tournaments and is not able to be "in seat" for each class/block. However, the dedicated teachers keep her informed and work with her extra to ensure she is learning and understanding the material. We plan to enroll our youngest in due time.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 77

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 894

• 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

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: It is a very clean and organized school. Amazing teachers and wonderful staff. Everyone is nice and is happy to help.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 695

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• Georgetown, SC•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: The staff is incredibly over-qualified and puts nothing but the best into everything they do. Nothing could have prepared me for life after high school better. The student body is incredibly close and really becomes a family the longer you stay there.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 46

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• 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 —

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The teachers and staff at PKES are very welcoming and always make time to talk to us about our kid's progress in school! They have pushed my kids to become critical thinkers and risk takers by providing STEM lessons with opportunities to collaborate and explore the world around them. The teachers at PKES truly love what they do!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 810

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 6-8

• grade A+

• Students 839

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 735

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Anderson, SC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Highly recommend! Excellent preparation for college and graduates are attending prestigious universities across the nation.— Excellent academics at all levels with an emphasis on character education and community service. From their youngest years my children were learning at their own pace with hands on materials. This allowed them to learn advanced math in preschool while building their independence. Now in high school, they have science teachers who also teach at the university. The teachers provide a wonderful environment for students to work together, developing empathy and volunteering with Meals on Wheels and other local service organizations. In this safe environment, students are able to focus on academics and develop confidence that prepares them for life.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 114

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Camden, SC•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  50 reviews

Alum: Structure and Discipline: Camden Military Academy places a strong emphasis on structure and discipline. Cadets follow a strict daily schedule that includes academics, physical fitness, military training, and extracurricular activities. The goal is to instill self-discipline, responsibility, and time management skills. Military Program: The military program is an integral part of the academy. Cadets wear uniforms, participate in drill and ceremony activities, and learn military customs and courtesies. The military structure helps foster leadership skills, teamwork, and personal accountability. Academic Excellence: Camden Military Academy offers a college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, enabling personalized attention from teachers. The academy focuses on building strong academic foundations and provides a supportive learning environment. The faculty and staff are dedicated to helping cadets achieve their academic goals.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 717

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 677

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1