For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,517 students in Pickens, SC (there are 1 private school, serving 91 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 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Pickens, SC (2026)
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 | 1,226 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 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 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
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 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
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 | 567 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 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 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
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 | 566 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: n/an/a
Summit Academy
Charter School
698 Concord Church Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Gr: 6-7 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
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?
7 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 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (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, Ambler Elementary School vs. Hagood Elementary School, Youth Leadership Academy vs. Pickens Middle School
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