For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,865 students in Walterboro, SC (there are 3 private schools, serving 485 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Walterboro, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Walterboro, SC are Colleton County High School, Northside Elementary School and Forest Hills Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Walterboro, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Walterboro have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Walterboro, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Colleton County High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
150 Cougar Nation Drive
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0031
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0031
Gr: 9-12 | 1,352 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #22.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1929 Industrial Road
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0015
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0015
Gr: 1-5 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #33.
Forest Hills Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
633 Hiers Corner Road
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-4512
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-4512
Gr: 1-5 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
Hendersonville Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6089 Hendersonville Highway
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0027
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0027
Gr: PK-5 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #55.
Colleton County Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1379 Tuskegee Airmen Drive
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0040
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-0040
Gr: 6-8 | 931 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: n/an/a
256 Smith Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-4516
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-4516
Gr: PK-K | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: n/an/a
Thunderbolt Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
1069 Thunderbolt Road
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-4514
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-4514
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Walterboro, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Walterboro, SC include Colleton County High School, Northside Elementary School and Forest Hills Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Walterboro?
7 public schools are located in Walterboro.
What percentage of students in Walterboro go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Walterboro are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Walterboro?
Walterboro public schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Walterboro are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Walterboro include: Hendersonville Elementary School vs. Forest Hills Elementary School, Northside Elementary School vs. Forest Hills Elementary School, Forest Hills Elementary School vs. Northside 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.