For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,231 students in Pickens, SC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pickens, SC are Youth Leadership Academy, Ambler Elementary School and Hagood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pickens, SC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Pickens have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Pickens, SC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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 elementary schools in Pickens, SC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pickens, SC include Youth Leadership Academy, Ambler Elementary School and Hagood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Pickens?
5 public elementary schools are located in Pickens.
What is the racial composition of students in Pickens?
Pickens public elementary schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Pickens are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary 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
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.