South Carolina is the #30 largest school system in the United States, serving 781,842 students across the 1,269 public schools for the 2023-24 school year (there are 429 private schools, serving 69,811 students). 92% of all K-12 students in South Carolina are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in South Carolina is 38%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 48%.
The top ranked public schools in South Carolina are Buist Academy, Oceanside Collegiate Academy and Greenville Technical Charter High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Minority enrollment is 52% (majority Black) and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(SC) School Average
Asian
2%
Hispanic
12%
Black
32%
White
48%
Two or more races
6%
Top Ranked Public Schools in South Carolina (2023-24)
School (Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Buist Academy
Magnet School
Math: 94% | Reading: 96%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: 2-8
103 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Rank: #22.
Oceanside Collegiate Academy
Charter School
Math: 85-89% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
580 Faison Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 936-7128
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 936-7128
Rank: #33.
Greenville Technical Charter High School
Charter School
Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
506 Pleasantburg Drive #119
Greenville, SC 29606
(864) 250-8944
Greenville, SC 29606
(864) 250-8944
Rank: #44.
Greer Middle College Charter High School
Charter School
Math: 80-84% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
138 West Mcelhaney Road
Taylors, SC 29687
(864) 469-7571
Taylors, SC 29687
(864) 469-7571
Rank: #55.
Clover High School
Math: 86% | Reading: 94%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
1625 Highway 55 East
Clover, SC 29710
(803) 810-8200
Clover, SC 29710
(803) 810-8200
Rank: #66.
Mayo High For Math Science & Technology
Magnet School
Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
405 Chestnut Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5050
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5050
Rank: #77.
Wando High School
Math: 81% | Reading: 95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 81% (Top 5%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1000 Warrior Way
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 881-8200
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 881-8200
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Chapin High School
Math: 80-84% | Reading: 91%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
300 Columbia Avenue
Chapin, SC 29036
(803) 575-5400
Chapin, SC 29036
(803) 575-5400
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Wren High School
Math: 80-84% | Reading: 91%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
905 Wren School Road
Piedmont, SC 29673
(864) 850-5900
Piedmont, SC 29673
(864) 850-5900
Rank: #1010.
Hcs Early College High School
Magnet School
Math: 70-79% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
2050 Highway 501 East Hgtc
Conway, SC 29528
(843) 349-3131
Conway, SC 29528
(843) 349-3131
Best South Carolina Public Schools by County (2023-24)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in South Carolina?
The top ranked public schools in South Carolina include Buist Academy, Oceanside Collegiate Academy and Greenville Technical Charter High School.
How many public schools are located in South Carolina?
1,269 public schools are located in South Carolina.
What percentage of students in South Carolina go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in South Carolina are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in South Carolina?
Minority enrollment in South Carolina is 52% (majority Black)
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