For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,383 students in Dorchester, SC.
The top-ranked public schools in Dorchester, SC are Woodland High School and Harleyville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dorchester, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Dorchester have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Dorchester, SC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Woodland High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4128 Highway 78
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-5956
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-5956
Gr: 9-12 | 680 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
Harleyville Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1650 East Main Street
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 462-7671
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 462-7671
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: n/an/a
Dorchester Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
507 School House Road
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-2361
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-2361
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
4044 Highway 78
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-3171
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 563-3171
Gr: 6-8 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Dorchester, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1650 East Main Street
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 462-2470
Dorchester, SC 29437
(843) 462-2470
Gr: 6-8 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dorchester, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Dorchester, SC include Woodland High School and Harleyville Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dorchester?
4 public schools are located in Dorchester.
What is the racial composition of students in Dorchester?
Dorchester public schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.