Local School Options

Schools play an impactful role in house hunting whether a buyer has school-aged children or not. The proximity of quality education directly affects market values, so it's a logical topic of discussion with home buyers. If you are relocating to Charleston, you likely have questions about our school options.

We've compiled a list of helpful resources, but don't be surprised if we dodge the question "which schools are the best?" We are experts at housing, not education. Every child is different, and they thrive in different learning environments. What works well for one family may not be a fit for the next. Our job is to connect you with the information you need to decide which school best fits your family's needs.

If you are considering private schools in the Charleston area and would like concierge assistance with your school search, we recommend Jorie Stryker, an Educational Consultant and Therapist:
School Search Made Simple | Letters Made Simple, LLC
M: 843-284-6758
W: lettersmadesimple.com
E: jorie@schoolsearchmadesimple.com

We have three large counties of public schools (Charleston County School District, Berkeley County School District, Dorchester County District 2 and District 4). Assigned district is determined by your address, and the counties are very strict on enforcement. However, there is a “school choice” lottery to get your kids into a different CCSD school than the one you're assigned Applications open late January and close late February.

ProTip: Apply to multiple, as many schools as possible, all that you are interested in because there are waitlists. You want as many opportunities to "get in" on the first try and not get put on a waiting list. 

Not all 3k and 4k students in Charleston County are able to attend their neighborhood school automatically and not all elementary schools have the same Pre-K classes available. If you are registering for the Pre-K Child Development Program (CD), then you will have to apply during the same School Choice timeframe. Child Development Program

In addition to the public options, our area offers a lengthy list of independent and private school options. The SCISA website is a great place to start, and below is a list by county.

Charleston County Independent Schools:

Addlestone Hebrew Academy in West Ashley

Ashley Hall downtown

Charleston Christian School in West Ashley

Charleston Collegiate School on Johns Island

Charleston Day School downtown

Coastal Christian Preparatory School in Mt Pleasant

The Cooper School in West Ashley

Crown Leadership Academy in Mt Pleasant

First Baptist School downtown

James Island Christian School

Mason Preparatory School downtown

Palmetto Christian Academy of Mt Pleasant

Porter-Gaud School in West Ashley

Riverpointe Christian Academy in North Charleston

Trident Academy in Mt Pleasant

University School of the Lowcountry in Mt Pleasant

Berkeley County Independent Schools:

Charis Academy in Summerville

Elevate Learning Project on Daniel Island

Faith Christian School of Summerville

Miracle Academy Preparatory School in St. Stephen

Northwood Academy in Summerville

Ridge Christian Academy in Summerville

St. John's Christian Academy in Moncks Corner

Dorchester County Independent Schools:

Cathedral Academy in North Charleston

Dorchester Academy in St. George

Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville

Catholic Schools:

Charleston Catholic downtown

Christ Our King-Stella Maris in Mt Pleasant

Blessed Sacrament in West Ashley

Bishop England on Daniel Island

Divine Redeemer in Hanahan

Nativity School in West Ashley

Saint John Catholic in North Charleston

St Peters Academy in North Charleston

Summerville Catholic

Single Gender Schools:

Ashley Hall for girls downtown

For the little ones, here is a short list of daycare options (not at all exhaustive, but to help you get started):

The O'Quinn School where B.V.'s daughter started at 2. They also have a James Island campus.

St Andrews is a sweet church nursery school that has been around forever.

Sundrops is a fantastic montessori option many of my friends have chosen.

Primrose is a little farther north in Mt Pleasant where Lauren's sons went

Ashley Hall downtown is all-girls after kindergarten, but they are coed 2-K

Little School at Grace Episcopal downtown where Sarah's kids went

Discovery Center in mid Mt Pleasant is where many clients have chosen

Christ Kids is also mid Mt Pleasant and has a good reputation

Live Oak Little School is where Vanessa's daughter goes on James Island

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