Best Public Schools in Charleston, SC

The Charleston, South Carolina area is home to 31 schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels, with a mix of public, public charter, and alternative schools. The data reveals a diverse set of schools, with some standouts that consistently outperform others in the region.

Among the top-performing schools are Daniel Island School, an elementary/middle school ranked 7th in the state, and Orange Grove Charter School, another highly ranked elementary/middle school. Buist Academy, a middle school, is ranked 1st in the state and boasts exceptional test scores. The Montessori Community School is also a standout, ranking 12th among elementary schools with 80-90% proficiency in core subjects.

However, the data also reveals significant achievement gaps between high-performing and low-performing schools, often along socioeconomic and racial lines. Schools with higher poverty levels, as indicated by free/reduced lunch rates, tend to have lower test scores. For instance, Springfield Elementary and Stono Park Elementary both have 100% free/reduced lunch rates and some of the lowest proficiency levels. Policymakers and educators in the Charleston 01, Berkeley 01, and School Public Charter School District will need to address these disparities and ensure all students have access to high-quality education.