Greer Middle College Charter High

Greer Middle College Charter High in Taylors, SC, is a small public charter high school serving 535 students in grades 9-12, and it has consistently ranked among the top 10 high schools in South Carolina for seven straight years.

This school delivers exceptional academic results that far surpass both district and state averages. In the most recent school year, 100% of students scored proficient on the English 2 exam, while 90% or more were proficient in English 1 and U.S. History. The graduation rate stands at an impressive 96.9%, compared to 86.7% statewide, and the dropout rate is essentially zero. Chronic absenteeism is just 6.5%—about one-third of the state average of 22.3%—which tells you students are engaged and showing up. What makes this even more remarkable is that the school achieves these outcomes while spending roughly $10,500 per student, which is $1,500 to $2,800 less than nearby traditional high schools like Greer High ($13,104) or Blue Ridge High ($13,356).

The contrast with neighboring schools is striking. Greer High, just four miles away, ranks 116th in the state with a 39.6% chronic absenteeism rate and 63.7% English 1 proficiency—versus 90.4% at Greer Middle College. Travelers Rest High ranks 109th, and Heron Virtual Academy of South Carolina ranks 243rd out of 245 schools with a 49.7% graduation rate. Perhaps most impressive is the school's equity: students from low socioeconomic backgrounds rank in the 97th percentile statewide, matching the performance of the overall student body. This "middle college" model, where students can earn college credits, clearly creates a culture of motivation and success that works for all students, making it a standout choice for families seeking a rigorous, supportive high school experience.