For the 2026 school year, there are 3 alternative public middle schools serving 436 students in South Carolina.
The top-ranked alternative public middle schools in South Carolina are Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center, Empowerment And Enrichment Academy and The Palmetto Empowerment And Enrichment Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Carolina alternative public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the South Carolina public middle school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle school average of 52% (majority Black).
Best Alternative Public Middle Schools in South Carolina (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked alternative public middle schools in South Carolina?
The top-ranked alternative public middle schools in South Carolina include Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center, Empowerment And Enrichment Academy and The Palmetto Empowerment And Enrichment Academy.
How many alternative public middle schools are located in South Carolina?
3 alternative public middle schools are located in South Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in South Carolina?
South Carolina alternative public middle schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public middle schools average of 52% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Public School Transportation & Commute Planning Guide
Learn how public school transportation and commute planning can help families prepare for the coming school year safely and efficiently.
New Public School Safety Protocols 2025–26 Guide
Learn how new public school safety protocols for 2025–26 affect students, parents, and schools nationwide.
How Technology Transforms Education in 2025
Explore how technology shapes learning today, with updated data, policy context, trends, and real-world implications for students, educators, and families.