For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public charter schools serving 9,279 students in Columbia, SC.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Columbia, SC are Richland One Charter Middle College, Sc Whitmore School and Sc Connections Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, SC public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the South Carolina public charter school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 57% statewide average). Charter schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the South Carolina public charter school average of 44% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Columbia, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Richland One Charter Middle College
Charter School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
316 South Beltline Boulevard R
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 738-7114
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 738-7114
Gr: 11-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #22.
Sc Whitmore School
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
501 Commerce Drive Ne
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 476-6416
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 476-6416
Gr: 9-12 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
Sc Connections Academy
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
201 Executive Center Drive Sui
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 212-4712
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 212-4712
Gr: K-12 | 6,152 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Carolina School For Inquiry
Charter School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7405-a Fairfield Road
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 691-1250
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 691-1250
Gr: PK-6 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Clear Dot Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2015 Marion Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 567-3075
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 567-3075
Gr: PK-11 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #66.
Palmetto Achievement Center For Excellence Academy
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6015 N Main Street
Columbia, SC 29224
(803) 900-0664
Columbia, SC 29224
(803) 900-0664
Gr: 2-8 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: n/an/a
Carolus Online Academy
Charter School
101 Westpark Boulevard Suite C
Columbia, SC 29210
(866) 968-7512
Columbia, SC 29210
(866) 968-7512
Gr: K-12 | 1,786 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Columbia, SC?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Columbia, SC include Richland One Charter Middle College, Sc Whitmore School and Sc Connections Academy.
How many public charter schools are located in Columbia?
8 public charter schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public charter schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the South Carolina public charter schools average of 44% (majority Black).
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