The Ultimate Columbia, SC Guide to Private and Charter Schools

Finding the perfect school in Columbia, SC and the surrounding areas

If you're moving to Columbia, SC, or exploring the Midlands area for the best education options, you're in luck. From top-ranked private institutions to tuition-free charter academies, the region offers a variety of schools to meet every child’s needs. Below is a curated guide to the most notable private and charter schools in and around Columbia, SC, including short descriptions and addresses.

Private Schools in Columbia and the Midlands

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (PK–12)
3000 South Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201
Founded in 1951, Heathwood Hall is a prestigious Episcopal day school known for its 133-acre campus, academic excellence, and robust arts, athletics, and outdoor leadership programs. With a student-teacher ratio around 8:1 and a 100% college acceptance rate, it ranks among the best in the state.

Hammond School (PK–12)
854 Galway Lane, Columbia, SC 29209
A college-prep independent school blending tradition with innovation. Hammond offers strong academics, global studies, and fine arts, plus competitive sports on a beautiful 110-acre campus.

Ben Lippen School (PK–12)
7401 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203
A Christian day and boarding school affiliated with Columbia International University. It provides a faith-based education with a global community feel and excellent academic support.

Cardinal Newman School (Grades 7–12)
2945 Alpine Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
This Catholic preparatory school serves middle and high school students with a rigorous curriculum and a focus on faith, leadership, and service.

Covenant Classical Christian School (K–12)
6515 North Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206
Offers a classical Christian curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, logic, Latin, and a biblical worldview in a small, nurturing environment.

Grace Christian School (PK–12)
West Columbia, SC
A private Christian school offering a faith-centered, academically rich education. Small class sizes and a family-focused atmosphere define this school.

Northside Christian Academy (PK–12)
Lexington, SC
A growing private Christian school with strong academics, athletics, and spiritual development opportunities in Lexington County.

Montessori School of Columbia (PK–6)
411 South Maple St, Columbia, SC 29205
Focuses on individualized instruction in a Montessori environment with hands-on learning and multi-age classrooms.

Harmony School (PK–5)
3737 Covenant Rd, Columbia, SC 29204
An independent school combining Montessori, Waldorf, and project-based methods to create a unique, holistic educational experience.

Sandhills School (Grades 1–12)
1500 Hallbrook Dr, Columbia, SC 29209
Specializes in educating students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Offers a structured, multisensory approach to learning.

Hope Christian Academy (Grades 3–12)
545 Alexander Cir, Columbia, SC 29206
Provides tailored academic support for students with learning difficulties in a faith-based, supportive setting.

Center for Learning (K–5)
2729 Covenant Rd, Columbia, SC 29204
An independent elementary school offering personalized learning and developmentally appropriate practices for young learners.

Cutler Jewish Day School (PK–5)
5827 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206
Columbia's only Jewish day school, providing a dual curriculum in general and Judaic studies in a warm, inclusive environment.

Charter Schools in Columbia, SC and the Midlands

East Point Academy (PreK–8)
1043 Chris Dr (Elementary), 1401 Leaphart St (Middle), West Columbia, SC 29169
A high-performing Mandarin immersion charter school offering bilingual education, STEAM curriculum, and a wide range of extracurriculars.

Midlands Middle College (Grades 11–12)
On the campus of Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC
Offers students a bridge between high school and college, allowing dual-enrollment and flexible learning paths.

Gray Collegiate Academy (Grades 6–12)
3833 Leaphart Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169
College-prep charter school offering dual enrollment and athletic excellence with a strong academic foundation.

Palmetto Achievement Center for Excellence (PACE) Academy (Grades 2–8)
Columbia, SC
Serves students with language-based learning needs in a structured and supportive environment.

Midlands Arts Conservatory (Grades 6–11)
3806 North Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203
Focuses on visual and performing arts education integrated with core academics in a supportive, creative setting.

South Carolina Science Academy (Grades 6–11)
10901 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
A STEM-focused public charter offering hands-on, inquiry-based learning in science, technology, and math.

GREEN Charter School Midlands (K–8)
Irmo, SC
STEM-focused charter school in Irmo known for its project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and personalized instruction.

Whether you're looking for a faith-based education, arts and language immersion, or a STEM-driven curriculum, the Midlands region offers a rich selection of private and charter schools to explore. If you'd like help choosing the right one for your family, I’m happy to assist!