For the 2026 school year, there are 9 blue ribbon private schools serving 4,061 students in South Carolina.
The top-ranked blue ribbon private schools in South Carolina include St. Andrew Catholic School, St. Marys Catholic School, and Columbia Adventist Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 90%, which is higher than the South Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 87%.
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.
Top-Ranked South Carolina Blue Ribbon Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
7401 Monticello Road
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 807-4000
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 807-4000
Gr: NS-12 | 1,038 student Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 16 | Extracurrculars: 21 Blue Ribbon year: 2023 Tuition listed
Christ Our King-Stella Maris School
(Catholic)
1183 Russell Drive
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-4721
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-4721
Gr: PK-8 | 650 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 8 Blue Ribbon year: 2009, 2023 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Columbia Adventist Academy![Columbia Adventist Academy Photo - Enrolled for the Kingdom. Educated on the Rock.]( "Columbia Adventist Academy Photo - Enrolled for the Kingdom. Educated on the Rock.")
(Seventh Day Adventist)
241 Riverchase Way
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 796-0277
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 796-0277
Gr: K-6 | 14 students Avg. class size: 7 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
3601 N Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 448-6062
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 448-6062
Gr: K-8 | 194 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 10 Blue Ribbon year: 2005 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
721 Polo Rd
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 788-1367
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 788-1367
Gr: PK-6 | 293 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 19 Blue Ribbon year: 1999, 2010 Tuition listed
St. Marys Catholic School![St. Marys Catholic School Photo - St. Mary's Elementary School]( "St. Marys Catholic School Photo - St. Mary's Elementary School")
(Catholic)
101 Hampton Ave
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 271-3870
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 271-3870
Gr: PK-8 | 342 students Avg. class size: 29 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 7 Blue Ribbon year: 2020 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Southside Christian School![Southside Christian School Photo]( "Southside Christian School Photo")
(Christian)
2211 Woodruff Rd
Simpsonville, SC 29681
(864) 234-7575
Simpsonville, SC 29681
(864) 234-7575
Gr: PK-12 | 1,290 student Avg. class size: 10 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 10 Blue Ribbon year: 2007 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1209 Brushy Creek Rd
Taylors, SC 29687
(864) 331-2145
Taylors, SC 29687
(864) 331-2145
Gr: PK-8 | 176 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 7 Blue Ribbon year: 2014 Tuition listed
Vanard J. Mendinghall Junior Academy
(Seventh Day Adventist)
1202 Decatur St
Orangeburg, SC 29118
(803) 535-3730
Orangeburg, SC 29118
(803) 535-3730
Gr: K-2 | 64 students
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 St. Andrew Catholic School, St. Marys Catholic School, and Columbia Adventist Academy.
How many blue ribbon private schools are located in South Carolina?
9 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 same as the South Carolina private school average of 18%.
Recent Articles
First Semester Community College Survival Tips 2026
Essential 2026-updated expert tips to thrive in your first community college semester, from scheduling to finances and support resources.
What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College (2026 Guide)
A 2026 parent and student guide to your first semester at community college—tuition, support services, academics, social life, and success strategies.
How Private Schools Are Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Job Market
Explore how private schools prepare students for 2026’s AI-driven job market with curriculum innovations, skills training, and future-focused pathways.
