Private School Review - Established 2003
St. John Neumann Catholic School Top 16 · Most AP Courses (SC)
Southside Christian School Top 15 · Highest Avg. ACT Score (SC)
Ben Lippen School Top 12 · Most AP Courses (SC)

Best South Carolina Blue Ribbon Private Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 blue ribbon private schools serving 4,047 students in South Carolina.
The top ranked blue ribbon private schools in South Carolina include Christ Our King-Stella Maris School, St. Andrew Catholic School, and St. Marys Catholic School.
The average acceptance rate is 89%, which is lower than the South Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 90%.
100% of blue ribbon private schools in South Carolina are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).
Blue Ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Private Schools: 8
  • # Students Served: 4,047

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Private Schools: 8
  • # Students Served: 4,047

Top Ranked South Carolina Blue Ribbon Private Schools (2026-27)

Ben Lippen School Photo
Ben Lippen School
Gr: NS-12 | 1,038 students
Avg. class size: 16 students
Sports: 15 | Extracurriculars: 21
Blue Ribbon year: 2023
Christian
7401 Monticello Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 807-4000
(11)
View Profile
Map of Christ Our King-Stella Maris School
Christ Our King-Stella Maris School
Gr: PK-8 | 650 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 8
Blue Ribbon year: 2009, 2023
Catholic
1183 Russell Drive
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-4721
View Profile
St. Andrew Catholic School Photo
St. Andrew Catholic School
Gr: K-8 | 194 students
Avg. class size: 23 students
Sports: 6 | Extracurriculars: 10
Blue Ribbon year: 2005
Catholic
3601 N Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 448-6062
(4)
View Profile
St. John Neumann Catholic School Photo
St. John Neumann Catholic School
Gr: PK-6 | 293 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 2 | Extracurriculars: 19
Blue Ribbon year: 1999, 2010
Catholic
721 Polo Rd
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 788-1367
(5)
View Profile
St. Marys Catholic School Photo
St. Marys Catholic School
Gr: PK-8 | 342 students
Avg. class size: 29 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 7
Blue Ribbon year: 2020
Catholic
101 Hampton Ave
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 271-3870
View Profile
Southside Christian School Photo
Southside Christian School
Gr: PK-12 | 1,290 students
Avg. class size: 10 students
Sports: 12 | Extracurriculars: 10
Blue Ribbon year: 2007
Christian
2211 Woodruff Rd
Simpsonville, SC 29681
(864) 234-7575
View Profile
Prince Of Peace Catholic School Photo
Prince Of Peace Catholic School
Gr: PK-8 | 176 students
Avg. class size: 16 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 7
Blue Ribbon year: 2014
Catholic
1209 Brushy Creek Rd
Taylors, SC 29687
(864) 331-2145
(6)
View Profile
Map of Vanard J. Mendinghall Junior Academy
Vanard J. Mendinghall Junior Academy
Gr: K-2 | 64 students
Seventh Day Adventist
1202 Decatur St
Orangeburg, SC 29118
(803) 535-3730
View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked blue ribbon private schools in South Carolina?
The top ranked blue ribbon private schools in South Carolina include Christ Our King-Stella Maris School, St. Andrew Catholic School, and St. Marys Catholic School.
How many blue ribbon private schools are located in South Carolina?
8 blue ribbon private schools are located in South Carolina.
How diverse are blue ribbon private schools in South Carolina?
South Carolina blue ribbon private schools are approximately 18% minority students, which is lower than the South Carolina private school average of 19%.
What percentage of blue ribbon private schools are religiously affiliated in South Carolina?
100% of blue ribbon private schools in South Carolina are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).

Recent Articles

Who Handles Medication at a Private School?
Who Handles Medication at a Private School?
Learn who handles student medication at private schools, what policies families should review, and which questions parents should ask about prescriptions, emergencies, storage, documentation, and daily administration.
Does Your Child Need a School With a Full-Time Nurse?
Does Your Child Need a School With a Full-Time Nurse?
Learn when a full-time school nurse matters, how private schools handle medications, chronic conditions and emergencies, and which health-service questions parents should ask before enrolling their child.
The Course Availability Test: Are Classes Really Offered?
The Course Availability Test: Are Classes Really Offered?
Learn how to verify whether private school catalog courses are actually offered each year, identify scheduling limitations, and ask better questions before choosing a school for your child today.

Filter Schools

School Level
Must Offer Grade
Show more
Gender
School Focus
Religious Affiliation
ADD/ADHD Support
Summer Program

Quick Links

SCHOOL SEARCH TOOLS:
SCHOOL BY TYPE (SC):
OPEN-HOUSES & JOBS:
PUBLIC & BOARDING SCHOOLS:
PRIVATE SCHOOL DATA:

Most Popular Articles

What's In A Grade?
What's In A Grade?
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
Understanding Support Services in Private Schools
Understanding Support Services in Private Schools

More Articles

Excellence in School Security
Advanced Learning Frameworks
Leadership in Private Education
Expert School Views
Funding the Future