For the 2024 school year, there are 33 public schools serving 21,648 students in Beaufort County, SC (there are 15 private schools, serving 3,267 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Beaufort County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Beaufort County, SC are Bluffton High School, Hilton Head Island High School and May River High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Beaufort County, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 48% statewide average). Schools in Beaufort County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 52% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Beaufort County (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Bluffton High School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12 H. E. Mccracken Circle
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8800
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8800
Grades: 9-12
| 1,318 students
Rank: #22.
Hilton Head Island High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
70 Wilborn Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-4800
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-4800
Grades: 9-12
| 1,343 students
Rank: #33.
May River High School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
601 New Riverside Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 836-4900
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 836-4900
Grades: 9-12
| 1,590 students
Rank: #44.
Coosa Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
45 Middle Road
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-6100
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-6100
Grades: PK-5
| 438 students
Rank: #55.
Whale Branch Early College High School
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
169 Detour Road
Seabrook, SC 29940
(843) 466-2700
Seabrook, SC 29940
(843) 466-2700
Grades: 9-12
| 438 students
Rank: #66.
Okatie Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
53 Cherry Point Road
Okatie, SC 29909
(843) 322-7700
Okatie, SC 29909
(843) 322-7700
Grades: PK-5
| 569 students
Rank: #77.
Beaufort High School
Magnet School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
84 Sea Island Parkway
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 302-2000
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 302-2000
Grades: 9-12
| 1,174 students
Rank: #88.
Riverview Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
81 Savannah Highway
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-0133
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-0133
Grades: K-8
| 697 students
Rank: #99.
Pritchardville Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9447 Evan Way
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-0500
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-0500
Grades: PK-5
| 1,018 students
Rank: #1010.
Red Cedar Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10 Box Elder Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-0600
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-0600
Grades: PK-5
| 611 students
Rank: #1111.
Battery Creek High School
Magnet School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1 Blue Dolphin Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-5500
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-5500
Grades: 9-12
| 786 students
Rank: #1212.
River Ridge Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3050 River Ridge Drive
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 836-4600
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 836-4600
Grades: PK-8
| 1,103 students
Rank: #1313.
Hilton Head Island Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
30 School Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 342-4100
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 342-4100
Grades: 1-5
| 729 students
Rank: #1414.
Hilton Head Island School For The Creative Arts
(Math: 47% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
10 Bus Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 342-4380
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 342-4380
Grades: PK-5
| 524 students
Rank: #1515.
Bluffton Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
160 H.e. Mccracken Circle
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8500
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8500
Grades: PK-5
| 697 students
Rank: #1616.
Mossy Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2510 Mossy Oaks Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2900
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2900
Grades: PK-5
| 358 students
Rank: #1717.
Michael C. Riley Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
200 Burnt Church Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8300
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8300
Grades: PK-5
| 777 students
Rank: #1818.
H. E. Mccracken Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
250 H. E. Mccracken Circle
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8700
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-8700
Grades: 6-8
| 951 students
Rank: #1919.
Bluffton Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
30 New Mustang Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-0700
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-0700
Grades: 6-8
| 871 students
Rank: #2020.
Hilton Head Island Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
55 Wilborn Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-4500
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-4500
Grades: 6-8
| 828 students
Rank: #2121.
Broad River Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
474 Broad River Road
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-8400
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-8400
Grades: PK-5
| 450 students
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
Beaufort Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1800 Prince Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2600
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2600
Grades: PK-5
| 327 students
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
Lady's Island Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
73 Chowan Creek Bluff
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2240
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2240
Grades: PK-5
| 208 students
Rank: #2424.
Lowcountry Montessori School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
749 Broad River Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-0577
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-0577
Grades: PK-12
| 365 students
Rank: #2525.
Port Royal Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1214 Paris Avenue
Port Royal, SC 29935
(843) 322-0834
Port Royal, SC 29935
(843) 322-0834
Grades: PK-5
| 168 students
Rank: #2626.
Lady's Island Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
30 Cougar Drive
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-3167
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-3167
Grades: 6-8
| 480 students
Rank: #2727.
Beaufort Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2501 Mossy Oaks Boulevard
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-5700
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-5700
Grades: 6-8
| 418 students
Rank: #2828.
Joseph S. Shanklin Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
121 Morrall Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 466-3400
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 466-3400
Grades: PK-5
| 430 students
Rank: #2929.
St. Helena Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1025 Sea Island Parkway
Saint Helena Island, SC 29920
(843) 838-0300
Saint Helena Island, SC 29920
(843) 838-0300
Grades: PK-5
| 322 students
Rank: #3030.
Whale Branch Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2009 Trask Parkway
Sheldon, SC 29941
(843) 466-3000
Sheldon, SC 29941
(843) 466-3000
Grades: 5-8
| 323 students
Rank: #3131.
Whale Branch Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
15 Stuart Point Road
Sheldon, SC 29941
(843) 466-1000
Sheldon, SC 29941
(843) 466-1000
Grades: PK-4
| 332 students
Rank: #3232.
Robert Smalls International Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
43 W. K. Alston Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2500
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2500
Grades: PK-8
| 642 students
Rank: n/an/a
165 Pembroke Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-0400
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-0400
Grades: PK-K
| 363 students
Beaufort County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
2 Albacore St.
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 846-9283
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 846-9283
Grades: 3-8
| n/a students
22 Old Haig Point Rd
Daufuskie Island, SC 29915
(843) 842-1251
Daufuskie Island, SC 29915
(843) 842-1251
Grades: PK-5
| 17 students
Hilton Head Elementary School (Closed 2006)
Magnet School
10 Wilborn Rd.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-7450
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-7450
Grades: PK-5
| 2,023 students
2900 Mink Point Blvd
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-0733
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-0733
Grades: 6-12
| 68 students
364 Kean Neck Rd
Seabrook, SC 29940
(843) 466-3600
Seabrook, SC 29940
(843) 466-3600
Grades: PK-K
| 171 students
Middleton S. Elliott Elementary School (Closed 2021)
Magnet School
345 Elliott Dr
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 408-3380
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 408-3380
Grades: PK-2
| n/a students
Robert E. Galer Elementary School (Closed 2021)
Magnet School
221 E. Cardinal Lane
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 369-6691
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 369-6691
Grades: PK-2
| n/a students
81 Savannah Hwy
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2825
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2825
Grades: PK-5
| 379 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Beaufort County, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Beaufort County, SC include Bluffton High School, Hilton Head Island High School and May River High School.
How many public schools are located in Beaufort County, SC?
33 public schools are located in Beaufort County, SC.
What percentage of students in Beaufort County, SC go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Beaufort County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Beaufort County, SC?
Beaufort County, SC public schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 52% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
How “Collaborative Reasoning” Could Be the Next Public School Trend
Collaborative reasoning, which encourages independent critical thinking, is growing in popularity amongst public schools. Learn about collaborative reasoning and how it benefits public school classrooms.
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
This comprehensive article explores the complex nature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, providing insights into its symptoms, diagnosis process, and effective support strategies. From recognizing early signs to navigating the diagnostic journey, parents will gain valuable knowledge to help their child thrive. Expert insights, real-life examples, and practical tips empower readers to create a supportive environment that meets the unique needs of children with ADHD.
March 04, 2024
Teaching in Contemporary TimesWe explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.
