Best public high schools in South Carolina
As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a ’96 commencement address at Wellesley College, “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” If that’s the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
It’s a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, public education is key: 49.4 million students enrolled in public pre-K-12 schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Of those, about a third were in high school, enrolled across about 23,500 public secondary schools nationwide.
For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these public high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to get into better school districts. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students.
Stacker compiled a list of the 30 best public high schools in South Carolina using 2023 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students. School districts are provided when available; otherwise, the city is listed instead.
You may also like: Counties with the most bridges in South Carolina
#30. Wade Hampton High School
– Location: Greenville County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 1,826 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#29. Mauldin High School
– Location: Greenville County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 2,336 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#28. Clover High School
– Location: Clover School District, SC
– Enrollment: 2,617 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#27. Spring Valley High School
– Location: Richland School District No. 2, SC
– Enrollment: 2,158 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#26. D.W. Daniel High School
– Location: Pickens County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 1,194 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
You may also like: Counties where homes are selling the fastest in South Carolina
#25. Eastside High School
– Location: Greenville County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 1,559 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#24. Ashley Ridge High School
– Location: Dorchester School District No. 2, SC
– Enrollment: 2,407 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#23. Chapin High School
– Location: Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC
– Enrollment: 1,592 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#22. Riverside High School
– Location: Greenville County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 1,810 (21:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#21. Powdersville High School
– Location: Anderson School District No. 1, SC
– Enrollment: 964 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
You may also like: Best counties to live in South Carolina
#20. Dreher High School
– Location: Richland School District No. 1, SC
– Enrollment: 1,183 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#19. Dutch Fork High School
– Location: Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC
– Enrollment: 1,708 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#18. Brashier Middle College
– Location: South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC
– Enrollment: 447 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#17. Blythewood High School
– Location: Richland School District No. 2, SC
– Enrollment: 1,956 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#16. Greer Middle College Charter High School
– Location: South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC
– Enrollment: 504 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in South Carolina in the last week
#15. Greenville Senior High Academy
– Location: Greenville County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 1,634 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#14. Lexington High School
– Location: Lexington County School District One, SC
– Enrollment: 2,352 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#13. Fort Mill High School
– Location: Fort Mill School District, SC
– Enrollment: 2,012 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#12. Berkeley County Middle College High School
– Location: Berkeley County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 112 (28:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#11. Oceanside Collegiate Academy
– Location: Charter Institute at Erskine, SC
– Enrollment: 649 (26:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
You may also like: The top patent earner in South Carolina last year
#10. Wando High School
– Location: Charleston County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 2,994 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#9. Nation Ford High School
– Location: Fort Mill School District, SC
– Enrollment: 1,813 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#8. Charleston School of the Arts
– Location: Charleston County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 1,086 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#7. River Bluff High School
– Location: Lexington County School District One, SC
– Enrollment: 2,164 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#6. Spring Hill High School
– Location: Lexington-Richland School District No. 5, SC
– Enrollment: 1,118 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
You may also like: Movies and TV shows casting in South Carolina
#5. Greenville Technical Charter High School
– Location: South Carolina Public Charter School District, SC
– Enrollment: 475 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#4. Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology
– Location: Darlington County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 313 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#3. HCS Early College High School
– Location: Horry County Schools, SC
– Enrollment: 316 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#2. Academic Magnet High School
– Location: Charleston County School District, SC
– Enrollment: 712 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#1. South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
– Location: Hartsville, SC
– Enrollment: 270 (student to teacher ratio not available)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
You may also like: What Medicaid acceptance looks like at South Carolina substance use treatment centers
By Stacker
I love seeing South Carolina’s top schools shine! Beyond academics, the innovative programs and extracurriculars really help students grow personally and prepare for college. What are your favorite schools?
I couldn’t have said it better! The focus on innovation and extracurricular activities truly shapes well-rounded students. Have you noticed how these schools also emphasize community involvement? It’s great to see them preparing students for success beyond just academics!
It’s inspiring to see how these schools prioritize community involvement alongside academic excellence. I remember my friend thriving in similar programs, gaining skills that really shaped their future!
It’s wild how those experiences can shape us. Do you think having a solid community boosts confidence? My friend’s growth was incredible thanks to supportive programs!
It’s inspiring to see how opportunities shape our future. Great schools truly make a difference!
Have you ever noticed how these top public high schools in South Carolina really focus on college prep? The specialized programs and community involvement make them stand out for families!