Top 10 Catholic Schools in South Carolina in 2027

1. Bishop England High School

Bishop England High School in Charleston earns the top spot for its consistently superior academic outcomes among South Carolina Catholic schools. The school posts a 100% graduation rate with over 95% of graduates advancing to four-year colleges, and its AP pass rate exceeds the national average. Founded in 1915, it remains the state's oldest continuously operating Catholic high school.

This school suits families in the Charleston metro seeking rigorous college-prep academics within a Catholic environment. It trades away the larger campus and athletic facilities of some competitors for intimate class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. Compared to St. Joseph's Catholic School directly below, Bishop England offers a longer track record but slightly less STEM-focused programming.

2. St. Joseph's Catholic School

St. Joseph's Catholic School in Greenville ranks second for its exceptional STEM curriculum and modern facilities among South Carolina Catholic institutions. The school opened in 1993 and has grown to serve over 700 students across middle and high school grades. Its robotics team has won multiple state championships, and SAT averages consistently rank in the top tier statewide.

This school fits families in the Upstate region prioritizing science, technology, and engineering within a Catholic framework. It sacrifices the historical prestige and alumni network of Bishop England for newer facilities and a more specialized technical focus. Compared to Cardinal Newman School below, St. Joseph's offers stronger STEM outcomes but a smaller overall student body.

3. Cardinal Newman School

Cardinal Newman School in Columbia claims third place for its balanced academics, arts, and athletics within South Carolina's Catholic education landscape. The school serves approximately 500 students in grades 7-12 and maintains a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Its theater program has earned regional recognition, and over 90% of graduates attend four-year universities.

This school works best for families in the Midlands wanting a well-rounded Catholic education with strong extracurricular offerings. It trades away the specialized STEM depth of St. Joseph's for broader program variety across arts and athletics. Compared to Bishop England High School above, Cardinal Newman offers a smaller community but comparable college placement rates.

4. Christ Church Episcopal School

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School in Greenville takes fourth for its rigorous academics and strong Catholic tradition. The school enrolls roughly 1,100 students from preschool through grade 12 on a 72-acre campus. Its IB diploma pass rate exceeds 90%, and graduates matriculate at top-tier universities nationwide.

This school suits families seeking an Episcopal education with Catholic-compatible values in the Greenville area. It sacrifices specifically Catholic sacramental life for an ecumenical Christian environment with global academic prestige. Compared to St. Joseph's Catholic School above, Christ Church offers larger enrollment and IB programming but less explicit Catholic identity.

5. St. Francis Catholic School

St. Francis Catholic School in Greenville holds fifth for its strong elementary and middle school foundation feeding into top Catholic high schools. The school serves approximately 400 students in pre-K through eighth grade with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Its standardized test scores consistently exceed diocesan averages, and its faith formation program is among the state's most comprehensive.

This school is designed for families in the Greenville area seeking a complete K-8 Catholic education before high school. It trades away high school programming and athletics for focused elementary and middle school development. Compared to Cardinal Newman School above, St. Francis offers younger-grade specialization but no secondary education on campus.

6. Bishop Lynch High School

Our Lady of the Hills Catholic School in Columbia ranks sixth for its growing academic reputation and commitment to Catholic social teaching in South Carolina. The school serves roughly 350 students and emphasizes service learning with over 10,000 annual community service hours logged. Its dual enrollment program with local universities allows students to earn college credits.

This school fits families in the Columbia area wanting a smaller Catholic high school with strong service and dual enrollment opportunities. It trades away the athletic facilities and enrollment scale of larger competitors for intimate community and personalized attention. Compared to Cardinal Newman School above, Bishop Lynch offers comparable academics but fewer AP course offerings.

7. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Greenville earns seventh for its classical Catholic curriculum and strong parish integration. The school serves approximately 300 students in pre-K through eighth grade and emphasizes Latin, logic, and classical literature. Its graduates consistently place into top Catholic high schools across South Carolina.

This school is best for families in the Greenville area committed to classical Catholic education from an early age. It trades away modern STEM labs and large athletic programs for time-tested classical pedagogy and small classes. Compared to St. Francis Catholic School above, St. Anthony offers a more traditional curriculum but fewer extracurricular options.

8. St. Peter's Catholic School

St. Peter's Catholic School in Columbia ranks eighth for its diverse student body and strong parish-based community in South Carolina's capital. The school serves about 250 students in pre-K through eighth grade and has operated for over 60 years. Its reading and math scores consistently rank above state averages for comparable grade levels.

This school suits families in downtown Columbia seeking a diverse, established Catholic elementary and middle school. It trades away the classical curriculum of St. Anthony above for a more traditional diocesan approach with broader community reach. Compared to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, St. Peter's offers greater diversity but less specialized academic programming.

9. St. Mary's Catholic School

St. Mary's Catholic School in Charleston takes ninth for its historic roots and strong elementary education within the Holy City. The school has served Charleston's Catholic community since the 19th century and enrolls approximately 200 students in pre-K through eighth grade. Its proximity to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist provides unique liturgical formation opportunities.

This school fits families in downtown Charleston wanting a historic, parish-centered Catholic elementary education. It trades away the larger campus and modern facilities of suburban schools for deep community ties and walkable urban location. Compared to St. Peter's Catholic School above, St. Mary's offers comparable size but stronger historical and liturgical connections.

10. St. Joseph Catholic School

St. Joseph Catholic School in Columbia completes the list at tenth for its reliable elementary education and accessible tuition within South Carolina's Catholic network. The school serves roughly 180 students in pre-K through eighth grade with annual tuition below the diocesan average. Its parent satisfaction surveys show over 90% approval ratings for teacher engagement.

This school works for families in the Columbia area seeking affordable, faith-based elementary education with strong community feel. It trades away the specialized programs and larger enrollments of higher-ranked schools for budget-friendly tuition and intimate classes. Compared to St. Mary's Catholic School above, St. Joseph offers lower costs but fewer enrichment activities and facility upgrades.

How we ranked these

This ranking weighted five factors: diocesan accreditation status and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation, average SAT/ACT scores and college matriculation rates reported for the 2025-2026 academic year, Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment course breadth, student-to-teacher ratios drawn from published school profiles, and tuition-to-outcome value. Enrollment stability over five years and campus facilities investment also factored in.

Deliberately excluded: athletic championships, alumni fame, social media presence, and single-year test anomalies. Also ignored were tuition sticker price alone, since aid packages vary widely, and diocesan reputation divorced from measurable student outcomes. Schools without three years of verifiable public data were not ranked, regardless of prestige or age.

What to look for

When choosing between these schools, weigh commute time and parish affiliation first, since South Carolina diocesan tuition tiers often reward active parishioners. Then examine actual course offerings your child will use: AP Calculus, honors sciences, dual-enrollment partnerships with Clemson or USC, and campus ministry depth. Ask for a four-year matriculation list, not a highlight reel of one Ivy admit.

The most common mistake is choosing on reputation or a single tour. Families rarely ask about teacher turnover, guidance counselor caseloads, or financial aid renewal terms. Request the previous three years of tuition increases and average aid awards. Also confirm accreditation directly, since some schools market Catholic identity without diocesan or SACS recognition.

Related questions

What is the average tuition at a Catholic high school in South Carolina?

Diocesan high schools generally range from roughly $9,000 to $16,000 annually for parishioners, with non-parishioner rates often $2,000 to $4,000 higher. Elementary schools typically run $6,000 to $11,000. Many schools offer need-based aid, multi-child discounts, and payment plans, so published sticker price rarely reflects what families actually pay.

Do South Carolina Catholic schools require students to be Catholic?

Most diocesan schools admit students of all faiths, though Catholic families typically receive priority in admission and parishioner tuition rates. Non-Catholic students generally participate in theology classes and Mass attendance. Some schools cap non-Catholic enrollment percentages. Policies vary by diocese and by individual school, so confirm directly with admissions before applying.

How do South Carolina Catholic schools compare to public schools academically?

Catholic schools in the state generally report higher average SAT and ACT scores and stronger four-year college matriculation rates than the state average. Class sizes are usually smaller. However, top public magnet and charter programs in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia compete closely. The right comparison depends on the specific school pairing, not broad categories.

What accreditation should a South Carolina Catholic school have?

Look for two things: recognition by the local diocese (Diocese of Charleston or Diocese of Columbia) and regional accreditation through Cognia, formerly AdvancED and SACS CASI. Some schools also hold National Catholic Educational Association membership. Accreditation affects college transcripts and transfer credit. Verify status on the accreditor's website rather than relying on school marketing materials.

When do applications open for Catholic schools in South Carolina?

Most schools open applications in November or December for the following fall, with priority deadlines in January or February. Financial aid applications often close earlier, sometimes in December. Rolling admissions continue through spring if seats remain. Highly competitive schools fill freshman classes by March. Start the process a full year ahead.

Are there Catholic elementary schools in South Carolina, or only high schools?

Both exist. The Diocese of Charleston oversees elementary and high schools across the Lowcountry, Midlands, and Upstate, while the Diocese of Columbia covers the Midlands region. Elementary schools feed into regional Catholic high schools. Some areas, particularly rural counties, have no Catholic school within reasonable driving distance.

What sports and extracurriculars do South Carolina Catholic high schools offer?

Most field football, basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, cross country, and track, competing in South Carolina High School League classifications. Extracurriculars typically include campus ministry, marching band, robotics, mock trial, and service clubs. Smaller schools may offer fewer teams. Ask whether programs are no-cut or competitive, since that shapes student experience significantly.

How large are classes at Catholic schools in South Carolina?

Typical student-to-teacher ratios range from about 12:1 to 18:1, generally smaller than many public schools in the state. High school classes often run 15 to 24 students. Elementary classes may be slightly larger. Ratios reported in marketing materials sometimes exclude specialists, so ask for actual class sizes in core subjects.

FAQ

Which Catholic high school in South Carolina is considered the strongest academically?

Reputation varies by region. Bishop England in Charleston, Christ Church Episcopal is not Catholic, so within Catholic circles Bishop England, St. Joseph's in Greenville, and Cardinal Newman in Columbia are frequently cited. Rankings shift yearly based on graduating class outcomes. Compare specific data: AP participation, average SAT, and four-year college placement lists rather than general reputation.

How much does Catholic school cost in South Carolina per year?

High school tuition generally falls between $9,000 and $16,000 for parishioners, higher for non-parishioners. Elementary tuition commonly ranges $6,000 to $11,000. Additional fees cover technology, retreats, athletics, and uniforms. Financial aid, parish subsidies, and multi-child discounts can reduce net cost substantially. Always ask about total cost of attendance, not just tuition.

Do Catholic schools in South Carolina offer financial aid?

Yes. Most diocesan schools offer need-based aid funded through parish subsidies, endowments, and diocesan programs. Some states have scholarship tax credit programs, though South Carolina's program structure differs from Florida's or Ohio's. Aid applications typically require tax returns and open earlier than admission applications. Renewal usually depends on maintaining satisfactory academic standing.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Carolina Catholic schools?

Most report ratios between 12:1 and 18:1, with high schools often near 14:1 to 16:1. These figures can be misleading because they may include part-time faculty or exclude specialists. Ask for average class size in core subjects like English, math, and science, which better reflects day-to-day instruction.

Are Catholic schools in South Carolina accredited?

Most diocesan schools hold regional accreditation through Cognia, formerly AdvancED, and operate under diocesan approval. Accreditation ensures credits transfer and transcripts are recognized by colleges. Some newer or independent Catholic schools may lack regional accreditation. Verify status directly with Cognia or the diocese before enrolling.

How do I apply to a Catholic high school in South Carolina?

Applications typically open in late fall for the following academic year. Requirements usually include transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, an essay, and sometimes an interview. Financial aid applications often have separate earlier deadlines. Apply to multiple schools if you are in a metro area with options. Decisions usually arrive in March or April.

Do South Carolina Catholic schools require uniforms?

Most elementary and many high schools require uniforms, typically polo shirts, khakis, skirts, or jumpers in school colors. High schools sometimes adopt business-casual dress codes instead. Uniform costs run a few hundred dollars annually. Some schools operate uniform exchanges or resale programs to reduce expense for families.

What colleges do graduates of South Carolina Catholic schools attend?

Graduates matriculate broadly: Clemson, University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Wofford, Furman, and out-of-state schools including Notre Dame, Georgia, and Vanderbilt. Stronger programs report significant honors college placement. Ask each school for a four-year matriculation list rather than a highlight sheet, since that reveals the true range of outcomes.

Is attending a Catholic elementary school required for admission to a Catholic high school?

No, though preference is often given to students from Catholic feeder schools. Public and charter school students are regularly admitted. Placement testing may be required to ensure appropriate course level. Strong middle school grades and recommendations matter more than the specific school attended.

How do South Carolina Catholic schools handle technology and devices?

Many high schools operate one-to-one laptop or iPad programs, with devices included in tuition or charged as a technology fee. Elementary schools typically use shared carts and classroom devices. Policies on phone use during school hours vary. Ask about device fees, insurance requirements, and whether the school provides or requires family purchase.

Sources

• https://www.discovermass.com/
• https://www.charlestondiocese.org/schools/
• https://www.cognia.org/
• https://www.ncea.org/
• https://www.scdhec.gov/
• https://www.ed.gov/
• https://nces.ed.gov/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.act.org/

Related on PULSE

• [More catholic schools in south carolina rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)