Here are the 10 best public high schools in SC for 2026. See if your child’s school made the list
In this list, unlike a lot of school-related assessments, sports accounts for just 2.5% of the overall grade.
It’s the annual Niche list of best public schools across the country.
Five of the top-rated schools in South Carolina are magnet schools, four public and one charter.
Two of the public schools are the Governor’s School for Science and Math and the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, residential schools funded by the state.
Niche analyzes academic and student life from the U.S. Department of Education to compile its Best Public High Schools ranking. It also uses test scores, college data, and ratings from Niche users.
Academics account for 60% of the grade, culture and diversity 12.5%, Parent/Student Surveys on Overall Experience and teacher surveys, 10% each, clubs and activities, resources and facilities and sports 2.5% each.
South Carolina schools, while there are bright spots across the state, generally score low when compared to other states, according to a 2026 WalletHub study. South Carolina moved from No. 39 in 2025 to 41 this year.
WalletHub evaluates performance, funding, safety, class size and instructor credentials. The top state was Massachusetts, followed by Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia and New Hampshire.
Here are the best South Carolina public high school according to Niche:
1. South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
Address: 401 Railroad Avenue, Hartsville
School type: Public school
Website: scgssm.org
The residential school has 290 students in grades 11 and12 with proficiency in reading and math both being 95%. The student to teacher ratio is 6 to1.
2. Academic Magnet
Address: 5109-A West Enterprise Street, North Charleston
School type: Magnet school
Website: ccsdschools.com/amhs
Academic Magnet High School has 718 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. According to state test scores, 100% of students are at least proficient in math and 100% in reading.
3. Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology
School type: Magnet school
Address: 405 Chestnut St., Darlington, SC 29532
Website: dcsdschools.org
Mayo High School has 343 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 77% of students are at least proficient in math and 94% in reading.
4. Spring Hill High School
School type: Magnet school
Address: 11629 Broad River Road, Chapin, SC 29036
Website: shhs.lexrich5.org
Spring Hill High School has 1,102 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. According to state test scores, 66% of students are proficient in math and 92% in reading.
5. Catawba Ridge High School
School type: public
Address: 1180 Fort Mill Parkway, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Website: fortmillschools.org
Catawba Ridge High School has 1,651 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 37% of students are proficient in math and 93% in reading.
6. HCS Early College High School
School type: magnet school
Address: 2050 Highway 501 East, Conway, SC 29528
Website: horrycountyschools.net/early_college_high
HCS Early College High School has 342 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 86% of students are proficient in math and 100% in reading.
7. SC Governor’s School for Arts & Humanities
School type: Public
Address: 15 University St., Greenville, SC 29601
Website: scgsah.org
SC Governor’s School for Arts & Humanities has 236 students in grades 10-12
Reading and math proficiencies were not listed.
8. Greenville Technical Charter High School
School type: Charter
Address: 506 Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
Website: gtchs.org
Greenville Technical Charter High School has 526 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 65% of students are proficient in math and 93% in reading.
9. Berkeley County Middle College High School
Schools type: Magnet school
1001 South Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Berkeley County Middle College High School has 96 students in grades 11-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. According to state test scores, 90% of students are proficient in math and 90% in reading.
10. Fort Mill High School
School type: Public
215 North Highway 21 Bypass, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Fort Mill High School has 2,041 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. According to state test scores, 46% of students are proficient in math and 91% in reading.