Photo: John Rutledge Smith · Public domainNorth Charleston’s public schools outscore 86% of South Carolina districts
49% of students in North Charleston’s public schools are proficient in math, above the South Carolina average (41%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving North Charleston, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within South Carolina, not nationally.
From South Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 99% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
North Charleston’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 57% and math 49% across both districts in spring 2022, against 52% and 41% statewide; 87% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Charleston County spends $18,199 per student and Dorchester School District 2 $12,547, against $15,090 across South Carolina (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Greg Mathis Charter High, Allegro Charter School of Music, Palmetto Scholars Academy, Compass Collegiate Academy, GREEN Charter School Lowcountry, Learn4Life High School-Charleston, Lowcountry Acceleration Academy, Movement School Bridge View, Cathedral Academy (private), Northside Christian School (private), Charleston Bilingual Academy (private), Owens Christian Academy (private) and Charleston Classical School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind North Charleston’s grade
A: better than 86% of South Carolina school districts, #17 of 169 South Carolina towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the South Carolina average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve North Charleston, with each school’s own grade.
North Charleston runs its own schools through grade 12 (Charleston County School District). From grade PK, students attend the Dorchester School District 2, shared with Summerville. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve North Charleston
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Above the state in reading
North Charleston vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the South Carolina towns that share North Charleston’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| North Charleston | A | Charleston County PK–12 · Dorchester School District 2 PK–12 |
| Charleston | B+ | Charleston County PK–12 · Berkeley County PK–12 |
| Summerville | B+ | Dorchester School District 2 PK–12 · Berkeley County PK–12 |
| Hanahan | B− | Berkeley County |
| Goose Creek | B− | Berkeley County |
Every school in North Charleston
44 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with South Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Cooper River Center for Advanced Studies and Palmetto Excel). 1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about North Charleston’s schools
Are North Charleston’s schools good?
By South Carolina’s own tests, yes: the public schools North Charleston children attend outscore 86% of South Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A Schools grade, #17 of 169 South Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 89%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is North Charleston in?
Two districts: Charleston County School District runs grades PK–12, and Dorchester School District 2 runs grades PK–12, shared with Summerville.
Where do North Charleston kids go to high school?
One of 6 high schools, depending on your address: Fort Dorchester High, R. B. Stall High, Charleston School of the Arts, North Charleston High, Academic Magnet High and Military Magnet Academy.
What is North Charleston’s graduation rate?
87% of the class of 2023 in Charleston County School District graduated in four years, against 84% across South Carolina.
How much does North Charleston spend per student?
$18,199 in Charleston County School District and $12,547 in Dorchester School District 2 (FY2024), against $15,090 across South Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in North Charleston?
Yes: Cathedral Academy (religious, grades PK–12, 395 students), Northside Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 329 students), Charleston Bilingual Academy (religious, grades PK–7, 314 students), Owens Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–1, 65 students) and Charleston Classical School (religious, grades K–5, 25 students). North Charleston also has 8 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What North Charleston families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near North Charleston → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within South Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.