For the 2025 school year, there are 15 alternative public schools serving 565 students in South Carolina.
The top ranked alternative public schools in South Carolina are Manning High School, Turbeville High School and Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Carolina alternative public schools have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 52% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Alternative Public Schools in South Carolina (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Manning High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
502 Beckman Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7203
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 935-7203
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Turbeville High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1578 Clarence Coker Hwy
Turbeville, SC 29162
(803) 896-3178
Turbeville, SC 29162
(803) 896-3178
Gr: 9-12 | 46 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #33.
Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9037
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9037
Gr: 4-12 | 436 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Empowerment And Enrichment Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9114
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9114
Gr: 5-12
Rank: #55.
The Palmetto Empowerment And Enrichment Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-5952
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-5952
Gr: 5-12
Rank: n/an/a
Allendale High School
Alternative School
1057 Revolutionary Raod
Fairfax, SC 29827
(803) 737-3036
Fairfax, SC 29827
(803) 737-3036
Gr: 9-12 | 4 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
Broad River High School
Alternative School
4460 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-2714
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-2714
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Rank: n/an/a
Kirkland High School
Alternative School
4344 Broad River
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-2708
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-2708
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: n/an/a
Lee High School
Alternative School
990 Wisacky Highway
Bishopville, SC 29010
(803) 896-2531
Bishopville, SC 29010
(803) 896-2531
Gr: 9-12 | 6 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: n/an/a
Lewis High School
Alternative School
8200 State Farm Road
Rembert, SC 29128
(803) 896-3454
Rembert, SC 29128
(803) 896-3454
Gr: 9-12 | 6 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: n/an/a
Macdougall High School
Alternative School
1516 Old Gilliard Road
Ridgeville, SC 29472
(803) 737-3036
Ridgeville, SC 29472
(803) 737-3036
Gr: 9-12 | 1 student
Rank: n/an/a
Ridgeland High School
Alternative School
5 Correctional Road
Ridgeland, SC 29936
(803) 896-3252
Ridgeland, SC 29936
(803) 896-3252
Gr: 9-12 | 1 student
Rank: n/an/a
Sara Babb High School
Alternative School
4450 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-2714
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-2714
Gr: 9-12 | 3 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1
Rank: n/an/a
Trenton High School
Alternative School
84 Greenhouse Road
Trenton, SC 29847
(803) 896-3044
Trenton, SC 29847
(803) 896-3044
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 2:1
Rank: n/an/a
Tyger River High School
Alternative School
200 Prison Road
Enoree, SC 29335
(803) 896-3527
Enoree, SC 29335
(803) 896-3527
Gr: 9-12 | 5 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked alternative public schools in South Carolina?
The top ranked alternative public schools in South Carolina include Manning High School, Turbeville High School and Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center.
How many alternative public schools are located in South Carolina?
15 alternative public schools are located in South Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in South Carolina?
South Carolina alternative public schools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
