Top 10 Best Charleston Public High Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public high schools serving 6,014 students in Charleston, SC.
The top ranked public high schools in Charleston, SC are James Island Charter High School, West Ashley High School and Philip Simmons High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, SC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the South Carolina public high school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 77% statewide average). High schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public high schools.
Charleston, SC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 80%, which is less than the South Carolina average of 84%.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public high school average of 52% (majority Black).

Best Public High Schools in Charleston, SC (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
James Island Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1000 Ft. Johnson Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2754
Grades: 9-12
| 1,597 students
Rank: #22.
West Ashley High School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
4060 West Wildcat Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 573-1201
Grades: 9-12
| 2,043 students
Rank: #33.
Philip Simmons High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3080 River Village Drive
Charleston, SC 29492
(843) 471-2960
Grades: 9-12
| 809 students
Rank: #44.
Burke High School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
244 President Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 579-4815
Grades: 9-12
| 359 students
Rank: #55.
Lowcountry Acceleration Academy
Charter School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
5935 Rivers Avenue Suite 101a
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 804-6778
Grades: 9-12
| 462 students
Rank: #66.
Learn4life High School-charleston
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
6209 Rivers Avenue
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 666-6362
Grades: 9-12
| 134 students
Rank: #77.
Charleston Charter School For Math And Science
Charter School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1002 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 720-3085
Grades: 6-12
| 559 students
Rank: #88.
Pattison's Academy For Comprehensive Education
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 402-7850
Grades: PK-12
| 50 students
Rank: n/an/a
5935 Rivers Ave Suite #101-A
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 804-6778
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Palmetto Excel
Charter School
2150 Eagle Drive
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 329-9662
Grades: 9-12
| 1 students
Rank: n/an/a
West Ashley Center For Advance Studies
Vocational School
4066 West Wildcat Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 852-2524
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
1101 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 795-6877
Grades: K-8
| 75 students
1484 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 494-5521
Grades: 9-12
| 424 students
2325 Charleston Regional Parkw
Charleston, SC 29492
(803) 734-8322
Grades: PK-2
| 39 students
1825 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2740
Grades: 6-8
| 465 students
63 Columbus Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-7767
Grades: PK-6
| 217 students
1484 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2784
Grades: 6-8
| 332 students
1225 Orange Branch
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Grades: PK-4
| 715 students
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1533
Grades: 6-8
| 323 students
1929 Grimball Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2774
Grades: 9-12
| 93 students
4951 Rivers Ave
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 744-8882
Grades: K-6
| n/a students
1776 William Kennerty Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1546
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public high schools in Charleston, SC?
The top ranked public high schools in Charleston, SC include James Island Charter High School, West Ashley High School and Philip Simmons High School.
How many public high schools are located in Charleston?
11 public high schools are located in Charleston.
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public high schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public high schools average of 52% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.