For the 2026 school year, there are 435 private schools serving 72,873 students in South Carolina (there are 1,274 public schools, serving 793,779 students). 8% of all K-12 students in South Carolina attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $10,041 for elementary schools and $10,237 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in South Carolina include Camden Military Academy, Mead Hall Episcopal School, and Hammond School.
The average acceptance rate is 89% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 18% and the student-teacher ratio is 11:1.
Overview
This State (SC)
US
# Schools
435 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
72,873 Students
5,709,643 Students
% Average Students of Color
18%
34%
Student By Grade
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
6,586 Teachers
508,006 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
55%
Average Class Size
14 students
15 students
Average Number of AP Courses
12 courses
13 courses
Average SAT score
1173
(Out of 1600)
1234
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
26
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$10,536
$14,892
Average Summer Program Cost
$494
$1,160
Average % on Financial Aid
29%
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$3,642
$7,118
Average Acceptance Rate
89%
82%
Average Endowment Size
$40.86 million
$61.9 million
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.57
0.65
# American Indian Students
198 Students
30,180 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
1,171 Students
265,308 Students
% Asian Students
2%
5%
# Hispanic Students
2,053 Students
507,900 Students
% Hispanic Students
3%
9%
# Black Students
3,584 Students
417,206 Students
% Black Students
5%
7%
# White Students
40,584 Students
2,937,481 Students
% White Students
56%
52%
# Hawaiian Students
34 Students
22,254 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
24,155 Students
1,473,896 Students
% of Others Students
34%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Extracurriculars
8 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
8 sports
7 sports
Top-Ranked South Carolina Private Schools by County (2026)
Popular neighborhoods: West Ashley (12 schools), James Island (4 schools), Harleston Village (3 schools), Greenview (2 schools), Midtown Downtown (2 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in South Carolina?
The top-ranked private schools in South Carolina include Camden Military Academy, Mead Hall Episcopal School, and Hammond School.
How many private schools are located in South Carolina?
There are 435 private schools are located in South Carolina.
How much do private schools cost in South Carolina?
The average private school tuition in South Carolina is $10,041 for elementary schools and $10,237 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in South Carolina?
Approximately 18% of students in South Carolina private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in South Carolina go to private school?
8% of all K-12 students in South Carolina attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in South Carolina?
Which private schools in South Carolina are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in South Carolina include: Mullins Marion Christian School vs. Pee Dee Academy, Horizons Christian Academy vs. Hawthorne Christian Academy, Barnwell Christian School vs. Jefferson Davis Academy
Recent Articles
How Global Economic Trends Shape Private School Affordability
Explore how global economic trends influence private school affordability and enrollment in 2026, with insights for families and educators.
Parent Engagement in Private Schools in 2026
Explore how parent engagement in private schools builds strong communities, support networks, and student success in 2026.
So Many Choices: Navigating Private School Selection in 2026
A 2026 parent guide to choosing the right private school, with updated admissions timelines, tuition trends, affordability strategies, and expert insights.
