For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,390 students in Johnston, SC (there are 1 private school, serving 226 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Johnston, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Johnston, SC are Strom Thurmond High School, Johnston-edgefield-trenton Middle School and Johnston Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Johnston, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Johnston have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Johnston, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Strom Thurmond High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1131 Columbia Road
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1768
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1768
Gr: 9-12 | 720 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Johnston-edgefield-trenton Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1095 Columbia Road
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1997
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1997
Gr: 6-8 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #33.
Johnston Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
514 Lee Street
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1755
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1755
Gr: PK-5 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: n/an/a
Strom Thurmond Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
17 Par Drive
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1767
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-1767
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Johnston, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Johnston, SC include Strom Thurmond High School, Johnston-edgefield-trenton Middle School and Johnston Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Johnston?
4 public schools are located in Johnston.
What percentage of students in Johnston go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Johnston are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Johnston?
Johnston public schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
When Absenteeism Signals a School Fit Problem
Learn when student absenteeism may point to a school fit problem and how parents can respond constructively.
The Middle School Transition: Questions Parents Should Ask Before Sixth or Seventh Grade
Help your child succeed in middle school by asking the right questions before sixth or seventh grade. Learn what to ask about academics, safety, and student support.
How to Spot a School Climate Problem Before Enrolling
Learn how to identify school climate problems before enrolling in a public school, including warning signs, key questions, and reliable data sources.