For the 2025 school year, there are 69 public elementary schools serving 38,501 students in Charleston County, SC. The top ranked public elementary schools in Charleston County, SC are Buist Academy, Charleston School Of The Arts and Mt. Pleasant Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston County, SC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Charleston County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of South Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Charleston County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Buist Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
103 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Gr: 3-8 | 537 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Charleston School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5109-b West Enterprise Street
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 529-4990
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 529-4990
Gr: 6-12 | 1,069 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Mt. Pleasant Academy
(Math: 86% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
605 Center Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2826
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2826
Gr: PK-5 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Belle Hall Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
385 Egypt Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2841
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2841
Gr: PK-5 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
Charles Pinckney Elementary School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3300 Thomas Cario Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4585
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4585
Gr: 3-5 | 646 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Sullivan's Island Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2014 Mike Perkis Place
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
(843) 883-3118
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
(843) 883-3118
Gr: PK-5 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1565 Rifle Range Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2838
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2838
Gr: PK-5 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #88.
Carolina Park Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3650 Park Avenue Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-8060
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-8060
Gr: PK-5 | 981 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #99.
Montessori Community School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2122 Wood Avenue
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 769-0346
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 769-0346
Gr: PK-8 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #1010.
Orange Grove Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1225 Orange Branch Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Gr: PK-8 | 1,169 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #1111.
Thomas C. Cario Middle School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3500 Thomas Cario Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4595
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 856-4595
Gr: 6-8 | 1,130 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1212.
Stiles Point Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
883-a Mikell Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2767
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2767
Gr: PK-5 | 813 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1313.
East Cooper Montessori Charter
Charter School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1120 Rifle Range Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 216-2883
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 216-2883
Gr: PK-8 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1414.
Laing Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2705 Bulrush Basket Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2809
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2809
Gr: 6-8 | 1,024 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #1515.
Jennie Moore Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2725 Bulrush Basket Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2815
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 849-2815
Gr: PK-5 | 999 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1616.
Harbor View Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1576 Harbor View Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2749
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2749
Gr: PK-5 | 662 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1717.
Moultrie Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
645 Coleman Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2819
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2819
Gr: 6-8 | 1,135 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1818.
James B. Edwards Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
885 Von Kolnitz Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2805
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-2805
Gr: PK-5 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1919.
Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1871 Wallace School Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1555
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1555
Gr: PK-5 | 617 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #2020.
St. Andrew's School Of Math And Science
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
30 Chadwick Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1503
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1503
Gr: PK-5 | 733 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #2121.
Drayton Hall Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3138 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 852-0678
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 852-0678
Gr: PK-5 | 655 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2222.
Murray-lasaine Montessori
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
691 Riverland Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2765
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2765
Gr: PK-8 | 338 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #2323.
Palmetto Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7499 Dorchester Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 300-4118
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 300-4118
Gr: 6-12 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #2424.
Cape Romain Environmental Education Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1101 Old Cemetery Road
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 887-3323
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 887-3323
Gr: PK-8 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #2525.
James Island Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1872 Grimball Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-8240
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-8240
Gr: PK-5 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #2626.
Oakland Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
505-a Arlington Drive
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 763-1510
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 763-1510
Gr: PK-5 | 525 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #2727.
Camp Road Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1825 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2784
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2784
Gr: 6-8 | 857 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #2828.
Bridges Preparatory School
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1100 Boundary St
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 982-7737
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 982-7737
Gr: K-12 | 1,355 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #2929.
Charleston Charter School For Math And Science
Charter School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1002 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 720-3085
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 720-3085
Gr: 6-12 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #3030.
Lowcountry Leadership Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5139 Gibson Road
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-5527
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-5527
Gr: K-12 | 537 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #3131.
Carolina Voyager Charter
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 203-3891
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 203-3891
Gr: K-8 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #3232.
Angel Oak Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6134 Chisolm Road
Johns Island, SC 29455
(843) 559-6412
Johns Island, SC 29455
(843) 559-6412
Gr: PK-5 | 776 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #3333.
Springfield Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2130 Pinehurst Avenue
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 763-1538
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 763-1538
Gr: PK-5 | 674 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #34 - 3534. - 35.
Charleston Development Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
233 Line Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-2689
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-2689
Gr: PK-8 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #34 - 3534. - 35.
Green Charter School Lowcountry
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
8717 Old University Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 501-7911
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 501-7911
Gr: K-8 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Show 34 more public schools in Charleston County, SC (out of 69 total schools)
Loading...
Charleston County 51±¬ÁÏs (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Apple Charter School (Closed 2015)
Charter School
1101 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 795-6877
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 795-6877
Gr: K-8 | 75 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
7184 Highway 162
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-3992
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-3992
Gr: PK-6 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Charleston Advancement Academy High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1484 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 494-5521
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 494-5521
Gr: 9-12 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 39:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
5841 Rivers Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-1349
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-1349
Gr: K-12 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
3750 Dorchester Road
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7113
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7113
Gr: 4-5
7350 Cross County Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
(803) 625-4135
North Charleston, SC 29418
(803) 625-4135
Gr: K-5 | 84 students
1825 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2740
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2740
Gr: 6-8 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
63 Columbus Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-7767
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-7767
Gr: PK-6 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
2731 Gordon Street
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7126
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7126
Gr: 9-12
Gates School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
3003 Dunes West Blvd. Suite 2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 981-2526
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 981-2526
Gr: 1-6 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
1484 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2784
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2784
Gr: 6-8 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
714 Lincoln Road
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0970
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0970
Gr: 6-12 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
711 Pinckney Street
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0325
Mc Clellanville, SC 29458
(843) 577-0325
Gr: 6-8 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
1225 Orange Branch
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Gr: PK-4 | 715 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
2415 Avenue F
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 900-7722
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 900-7722
Gr: K-6 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
7224 Hwy 162
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-2391
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 889-2391
Gr: 6-8 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
3795 Spruill Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7107
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-7107
Gr: PK-5 | 240 students Minority enrollment: 98%
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1533
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1533
Gr: 6-8 | 323 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Sea Island Youthbuild Charter (Closed 2010)
Charter School
3483 Maybank Hwy
Johns Island, SC 29457
(843) 557-1611
Johns Island, SC 29457
(843) 557-1611
Gr: 7-12 | 59 students Minority enrollment: 95%
1929 Grimball Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2774
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2774
Gr: 9-12 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Susan G. Boykin Charter (Closed 2011)
Charter School
4951 Rivers Ave
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 744-8882
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 744-8882
Gr: K-6
1776 William Kennerty Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1546
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1546
Gr: 6-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Charleston County, SC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Charleston County, SC include Buist Academy, Charleston School Of The Arts and Mt. Pleasant Academy. Charleston County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in South Carolina.
How many public elementary schools are located in Charleston County?
69 public elementary schools are located in Charleston County.
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston County?
Charleston County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Charleston County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Charleston County include: Moultrie Middle School vs. Laing Middle School, Thomas C. Cario Middle School vs. Laing Middle School, Lambs Elementary School vs. Hunley Park Elementary School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
