For the 2025 school year, there are 89 public schools serving 52,753 students in Charleston County, SC (there are , serving 9,749 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in Charleston County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%). Charleston County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in South Carolina.
The top ranked public schools in Charleston County, SC are Buist Academy, Oceanside Collegiate Academy and Wando High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston County, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Charleston County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Charleston County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Buist Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
103 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Gr: 3-8 | 537 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Oceanside Collegiate Academy
Charter School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
580 Faison Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 936-7128
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 936-7128
Gr: 9-12 | 653 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Wando High School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1000 Warrior Way
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 881-8200
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 881-8200
Gr: 9-12 | 2,593 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Lucy Garrett Beckham High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1560 Mathis Ferry Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 856-6790
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 856-6790
Gr: 9-12 | 1,763 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
James Island Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1000 Ft. Johnson Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2754
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2754
Gr: 9-12 | 1,597 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #66.
Charleston School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5109-b West Enterprise Street
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 529-4990
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 529-4990
Gr: 6-12 | 1,069 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #77.
Mt. Pleasant Academy
(Math: 86% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
605 Center Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2826
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2826
Gr: PK-5 | 651 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #88.
Belle Hall Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
385 Egypt Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2841
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2841
Gr: PK-5 | 657 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #99.
West Ashley High School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4060 West Wildcat Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 573-1201
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 573-1201
Gr: 9-12 | 2,043 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #1010.
Charles Pinckney Elementary School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3300 Thomas Cario Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4585
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4585
Gr: 3-5 | 646 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1111.
Sullivan's Island Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2014 Mike Perkis Place
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
(843) 883-3118
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
(843) 883-3118
Gr: PK-5 | 509 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1212.
Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1565 Rifle Range Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2838
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2838
Gr: PK-5 | 828 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1313.
Carolina Park Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3650 Park Avenue Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-8060
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-8060
Gr: PK-5 | 981 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1414.
Montessori Community School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2122 Wood Avenue
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 769-0346
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 769-0346
Gr: PK-8 | 281 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #1515.
Orange Grove Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1225 Orange Branch Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Gr: PK-8 | 1,169 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #1616.
Thomas C. Cario Middle School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3500 Thomas Cario Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4595
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4595
Gr: 6-8 | 1,130 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1717.
Stiles Point Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
883-a Mikell Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2767
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2767
Gr: PK-5 | 813 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1818.
East Cooper Montessori Charter
Charter School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1120 Rifle Range Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 216-2883
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 216-2883
Gr: PK-8 | 429 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1919.
Laing Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2705 Bulrush Basket Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2809
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2809
Gr: 6-8 | 1,024 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #2020.
Jennie Moore Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2725 Bulrush Basket Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2815
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2815
Gr: PK-5 | 999 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #2121.
Harbor View Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1576 Harbor View Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2749
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2749
Gr: PK-5 | 662 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #2222.
Moultrie Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
645 Coleman Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2819
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2819
Gr: 6-8 | 1,135 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #2323.
James B. Edwards Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
885 Von Kolnitz Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2805
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2805
Gr: PK-5 | 763 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #2424.
Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1871 Wallace School Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1555
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1555
Gr: PK-5 | 617 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #2525.
Burke High School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
244 President Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 579-4815
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 579-4815
Gr: 9-12 | 359 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2626.
St. Andrew's School Of Math And Science
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
30 Chadwick Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1503
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1503
Gr: PK-5 | 733 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #2727.
Academic Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5109-a West Enterprise Street
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-1300
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-1300
Gr: 9-12 | 718 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #2828.
Rb Stall High School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3625 Ashley Phosphate Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 764-2200
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 764-2200
Gr: 9-12 | 2,025 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #2929.
Drayton Hall Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3138 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 852-0678
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 852-0678
Gr: PK-5 | 655 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #3030.
St. Johns High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1518 Main Road
Johns Island, SC 29455
(843) 559-6200
Johns Island, SC 29455
(843) 559-6200
Gr: 9-12 | 423 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #3131.
Murray-lasaine Montessori
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
691 Riverland Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2765
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2765
Gr: PK-8 | 338 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #3232.
Palmetto Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7499 Dorchester Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 300-4118
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 300-4118
Gr: 6-12 | 463 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #3333.
Cape Romain Environmental Education Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1101 Old Cemetery Road
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 887-3323
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 887-3323
Gr: PK-8 | 186 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #3434.
James Island Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1872 Grimball Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-8240
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-8240
Gr: PK-5 | 616 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #3535.
Oakland Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
505-a Arlington Drive
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 763-1510
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 763-1510
Gr: PK-5 | 525 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Show 54 more public schools in Charleston County, SC (out of 89 total schools)
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Charleston County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Apple Charter School (Closed 2015)
Charter School
1101 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 795-6877
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 795-6877
Gr: K-8 | 75 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
7184 Highway 162
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-3992
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-3992
Gr: PK-6 | 169 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Charleston Advancement Academy High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1484 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 494-5521
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 494-5521
Gr: 9-12 | 424 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 39:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
5841 Rivers Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-1349
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-1349
Gr: K-12 | 424 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
3750 Dorchester Road
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7113
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7113
Gr: 4-5
7350 Cross County Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
(803) 625-4135
North Charleston, SC 29418
(803) 625-4135
Gr: K-5 | 84 students
1825 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2740
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2740
Gr: 6-8 | 465 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
63 Columbus Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-7767
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-7767
Gr: PK-6 | 217 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
2731 Gordon Street
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7126
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7126
Gr: 9-12
Gates School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
3003 Dunes West Blvd. Suite 2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 981-2526
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 981-2526
Gr: 1-6 | 109 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
1484 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2784
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2784
Gr: 6-8 | 332 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
714 Lincoln Road
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0970
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0970
Gr: 6-12 | 159 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
711 Pinckney Street
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0325
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0325
Gr: 6-8 | 99 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
1225 Orange Branch
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Gr: PK-4 | 715 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
2415 Avenue F
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 900-7722
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 900-7722
Gr: K-6 | 62 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
7224 Hwy 162
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-2391
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-2391
Gr: 6-8 | 268 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
3795 Spruill Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7107
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7107
Gr: PK-5 | 240 students Minority enrollment: 98%
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1533
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1533
Gr: 6-8 | 323 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Sea Island Youthbuild Charter (Closed 2010)
Charter School
3483 Maybank Hwy
Johns Island, SC 29457
(843) 557-1611
Johns Island, SC 29457
(843) 557-1611
Gr: 7-12 | 59 students Minority enrollment: 95%
1929 Grimball Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2774
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2774
Gr: 9-12 | 93 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Susan G. Boykin Charter (Closed 2011)
Charter School
4951 Rivers Ave
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 744-8882
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 744-8882
Gr: K-6
1776 William Kennerty Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1546
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1546
Gr: 6-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Charleston County, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Charleston County, SC include Buist Academy, Oceanside Collegiate Academy and Wando High School. Charleston County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in South Carolina.
How many public schools are located in Charleston County?
89 public schools are located in Charleston County.
What percentage of students in Charleston County go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in Charleston County are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston County?
Charleston County public schools minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Charleston County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Charleston County include: Oceanside Collegiate Academy vs. Wando High School, Moultrie Middle School vs. Laing Middle School, Lucy Garrett Beckham High School vs. Wando High School
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