Best Public Schools in Charleston, SC

The Charleston, South Carolina area is home to a diverse array of 31 schools, including 21 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 1 alternative school, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade across public, public charter, and public magnet institutions.

Several schools stand out as top performers in the Charleston area, including Orange Grove Charter School, ranked 11th out of 640 elementary schools in the state with 5 out of 5 stars, and exceptional test scores; Daniel Island School, ranked 7th out of 640 elementary schools with 5 stars; and Buist Academy, ranked 2nd out of 320 middle schools with a perfect 5-star rating. In contrast, some schools like Simmons Pinckney Middle and Mitchell Elementary struggle, with proficiency rates below 30%.

Across the Charleston school system, there are significant disparities in academic performance, with top-performing schools like Orange Grove Charter and Buist Academy achieving 90%+ proficiency rates, while lower-performing schools lag behind. This suggests major inequities in educational opportunities and outcomes. Additionally, the district-wide Charleston 01 school district is ranked 23rd out of 75 districts in the state, indicating broader challenges that may be masking the wide range of outcomes at the individual school level.