For the 2025 school year, there are 11 blue ribbon public middle schools serving 7,708 students in South Carolina.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in South Carolina are Buist Academy, Sterling School and Rollings Middle School Of The Arts. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Carolina blue ribbon public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the South Carolina public middle school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public middle school average of 52% (majority Black).
Best Blue Ribbon Public Middle Schools in South Carolina (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Buist Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
103 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7750
Grades: 3-8
| 537 students
Rank: #22.
Sterling School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
99 John Mccarroll Way
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 355-4480
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 355-4480
Grades: PK-8
| 713 students
Rank: #33.
Rollings Middle School Of The Arts
(Math: 78% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1635 Beech Hill Road
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 873-3610
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 873-3610
Grades: 6-8
| 805 students
Rank: #44.
Powdersville Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
135 Hood Road
Greenville, SC 29611
(864) 269-1821
Greenville, SC 29611
(864) 269-1821
Grades: 6-8
| 797 students
Rank: #55.
Palmetto Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7499 Dorchester Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 300-4118
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 300-4118
Grades: 6-12
| 463 students
Rank: #66.
York Preparatory Academy
Charter School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1047 Golden Gate Court
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 324-4400
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 324-4400
Grades: K-12
| 1,681 students
Rank: #77.
Marrington Middle School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
109 Gearing Street
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 572-0313
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 572-0313
Grades: 6-8
| 400 students
Rank: #88.
Forestbrook Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4430 Gator Lane
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
(843) 236-7300
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
(843) 236-7300
Grades: 6-8
| 820 students
Rank: #99.
Hanahan Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5815 Murray Drive
Hanahan, SC 29410
(843) 820-3800
Hanahan, SC 29410
(843) 820-3800
Grades: 6-8
| 781 students
Rank: #1010.
Ware Shoals Elementary Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
45 West Main Street
Ware Shoals, SC 29692
(864) 456-2711
Ware Shoals, SC 29692
(864) 456-2711
Grades: 5-8
| 256 students
Rank: #1111.
T.e. Mabry Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
35 Oakland Avenue
Inman, SC 29349
(864) 472-8402
Inman, SC 29349
(864) 472-8402
Grades: 7-8
| 455 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in South Carolina?
The top ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in South Carolina include Buist Academy, Sterling School and Rollings Middle School Of The Arts.
How many blue ribbon public middle schools are located in South Carolina?
11 blue ribbon public middle schools are located in South Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in South Carolina?
South Carolina blue ribbon public middle schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public middle schools average of 52% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Understanding the Consequences of Banning Books in K-12 Education
Explore the historical and contemporary issues surrounding the banning of books in public K-12 schools. Discover how parental guidance can serve as a more effective educational strategy, fostering critical thinking and empathy while respecting the freedom to read.
Washington DC's Gains Under Michelle Rhee: A Result of Cheating?
Michelle Rhee is in the hot seat once again, as concerns about cheating abound during her time as chancellor of Washington DC schools. Learn about the high incidences of erasures and why the accusations are flying.
Foreign Language Study Abroad
We've put together this resource guide to help students, adults and professionals get the information they require to choose a good destination to study language abroad.
