For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,512 students in Pickens, SC (there are 2 private schools, serving 100 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Pickens, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Pickens, SC are Pickens High School, Youth Leadership Academy and Ambler Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pickens, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Pickens have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Pickens, SC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pickens High School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
150 Blue Flame Drive
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-3600
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-3600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,281 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Youth Leadership Academy
Charter School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
698 Concord Church Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Gr: 6-8 | 288 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Ambler Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
838 Ambler School Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1200
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1200
Gr: PK-5 | 342 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Hagood Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
435 Sparks Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1900
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1900
Gr: PK-5 | 575 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Pickens Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
567 Hampton Avenue
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-2300
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-2300
Gr: PK-5 | 501 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Pickens Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
140 Torch Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-4100
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-4100
Gr: 6-8 | 525 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Pickens, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1755 Shady Grove Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1300
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1300
Gr: PK-5 | 208 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
120 Holly Springs School Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-2000
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-2000
Gr: PK-5 | 193 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Pickens, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Pickens, SC include Pickens High School, Youth Leadership Academy and Ambler Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Pickens?
6 public schools are located in Pickens.
What percentage of students in Pickens go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Pickens are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pickens?
Pickens public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Pickens are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Pickens include: Hagood Elementary School vs. Pickens Elementary School, Youth Leadership Academy vs. Pickens Middle School, Ambler Elementary School vs. Hagood Elementary School
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