For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,291 students in Pickens, SC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Pickens, SC are Youth Leadership Academy, Ambler Elementary School and Hagood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pickens, SC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Pickens have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Pickens, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Youth Leadership Academy
Charter School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
698 Concord Church Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Gr: 6-8 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Ambler Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
838 Ambler School Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1200
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1200
Gr: PK-5 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Hagood Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
435 Sparks Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1900
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-1900
Gr: PK-5 | 567 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Pickens Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
567 Hampton Avenue
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-2300
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-2300
Gr: PK-5 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Pickens Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
140 Torch Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-4100
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 397-4100
Gr: 6-8 | 566 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: n/an/a
Summit Academy
Charter School
698 Concord Church Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-4511
Gr: 6-7 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Pickens, SC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Pickens, SC include Youth Leadership Academy, Ambler Elementary School and Hagood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Pickens?
6 public elementary schools are located in Pickens.
What is the racial composition of students in Pickens?
Pickens public elementary schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Pickens are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Pickens include: Ambler Elementary School vs. Hagood Elementary School, Hagood Elementary School vs. Pickens Elementary School, Pickens Elementary School vs. Hagood Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.