For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public charter schools serving 5,050 students in Charleston, SC.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Charleston, SC are James Island Charter High School, Orange Grove Charter School and Charleston Charter School For Math And Science. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, SC public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the South Carolina public charter school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 57% statewide average). Charter schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of South Carolina public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public charter school average of 44% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Charleston, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
James Island Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1000 Fort Johnson Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2754
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-2754
Gr: 9-12 | 1,612 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Orange Grove Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1225 Orange Branch Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 763-1520
Gr: PK-8 | 1,170 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Charleston Charter School For Math And Science
Charter School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1002 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 720-3085
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 720-3085
Gr: 6-12 | 573 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
Carolina Voyager Charter
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 203-3891
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 203-3891
Gr: K-8 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Charleston Development Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
233 Line Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-2689
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-2689
Gr: PK-8 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Green Charter School Lowcountry
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
8717 Old University Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 501-7911
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 501-7911
Gr: K-8 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #77.
Lowcountry Acceleration Academy
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5935 Rivers Avenue Suite 101a
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 804-6778
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 804-6778
Gr: 9-12 | 619 students Student-teacher ratio: 41:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #88.
Learn4life High School-charleston
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6209 Rivers Avenue
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 666-6362
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 666-6362
Gr: 9-12 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #99.
Pattison's Academy For Comprehensive Education
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 402-7850
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 402-7850
Gr: PK-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: n/an/a
Palmetto Excel
Charter School
2150 Eagle Drive
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 329-9662
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 329-9662
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Charleston, SC?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Charleston, SC include James Island Charter High School, Orange Grove Charter School and Charleston Charter School For Math And Science.
How many public charter schools are located in Charleston?
10 public charter schools are located in Charleston.
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public charter schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public charter schools average of 44% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Charleston are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Charleston include: Charleston Development Academy vs. Charleston Charter School For Math And Science
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
