Key Facts and Information About Private Schools in South Carolina

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions for a parent to make.  Choosing private vs public is equally as important.  Here are some key facts and information that may help you as you think through that decision.

• For the 2018-19 school year, there are 425 top private schools in South Carolina, serving 66,383 students.
• The average private school tuition is $6,132 for elementary schools and $6,699 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
• The average acceptance rate is 90% (view national acceptance rates).
• Minority enrollment is 14% and the student:teacher ratio is 10:1.
• 78% of schools are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Baptist).
• There are 5 Blue Ribbon schools, 3 all-girls schools, 4 all-boys schools, 29 Montessori schools, 55 schools offering summer programs and 313 Preschools/Day Care schools.
• Counties with the most private schools:  Greenville County – 59, Richland County – 43, Charleston County – 42, York County – 21, Spartanburg County – 20, Lexington County – 19, Florence County – 15
• Counties with the highest percentage of minority students:  Kershaw County – 28%, Jasper County – 25%, Lancaster County – 25%, Newberry County – 25% and Union County – 25%

Tri-County Key Statistics

• Charleston County – 42 Schools / 8,125 Students / 11% Minority
• Berkeley County – 12 Schools / 2,528 Students / 17% Minority
  
• Dorchester County – 13 Schools / 3,268 Students / 14% Minority

Breakdown by all counties including top schools in each