The Best Private Schools in Clearwater, South Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clearwater. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Augusta Preparatory Day School
Independent School
Augusta Preparatory Day School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Central Savannah River Area, including Clearwater, SC. Founded in 1960, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a comprehensive curriculum that includes 18 Advanced Placement courses. Extracurricular programs span athletics, arts, robotics, and community service, providing students with well-rounded educational experiences.
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Fox Creek High School
Charter School
Fox Creek High School is a public charter school serving students in the Central Savannah River Area, including Clearwater residents. Established in 2006, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and personalized learning environments. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education with advanced technology integration and hands-on learning opportunities. Students benefit from dual enrollment programs with local colleges, career technology pathways, and comprehensive athletic programs. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character education, creating a supportive community atmosphere that has earned high parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. Mary Help of Christians School
Catholic Diocese of Charleston
St. Mary Help of Christians School is a respected Catholic school serving the broader Aiken County area, including Clearwater families. Founded in 1954, the school provides education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with a strong foundation in faith-based values and academic excellence. The curriculum integrates traditional subjects with technology, STEM initiatives, and fine arts programs. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities while maintaining small class sizes for personalized instruction. Parent involvement is highly encouraged, contributing to the school's strong community atmosphere and consistent high ratings for both academic quality and student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clearwater, South Carolina
What are the primary private school options serving families in Clearwater, South Carolina, and are they located within the city limits?
Clearwater itself is a small, unincorporated community, so most private schools serving its residents are located in nearby areas of Aiken County and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). The notable schools you'll find include Augusta Preparatory Day School (in Augusta, GA, about 30 minutes away), Fox Creek High School (a public charter school in North Augusta, SC, often considered alongside private options), and St. Mary Help of Christians School (a Catholic school in Aiken, SC, roughly 20 minutes away). There are very few, if any, private school campuses physically within Clearwater's boundaries, so parents should be prepared for a commute to neighboring towns.
How does South Carolina's tuition tax credit program, like the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children, impact private school affordability for Clearwater families?
South Carolina offers several financial aid programs that can significantly reduce the cost of private education for eligible Clearwater residents. The most notable is the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children (ECENC), which provides a tax credit for expenses related to private school tuition, tutoring, and therapy for students with special needs. Additionally, the state's Educational Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) provides needs-based scholarships for eligible students to attend participating private schools. It's crucial for parents to check with individual schools (like St. Mary's or Augusta Prep) about their participation in these programs and to consult a tax professional to understand the specific benefits.
Given Clearwater's proximity to major employers like the Savannah River Site, do local private schools offer strong STEM or college preparatory programs?
Yes, the influence of the Savannah River Site and the broader tech and engineering sector in the CSRA drives a strong emphasis on STEM and college prep in area private schools. Augusta Preparatory Day School, for instance, offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with advanced STEM courses, robotics teams, and partnerships with local industries. Fox Creek High School, while a charter, has a STEM-focused magnet program that is highly regarded. St. Mary Help of Christians School provides a solid foundational curriculum with a values-based approach that prepares students for competitive high school programs. Parents in Clearwater often choose these schools specifically for their enhanced academic tracks that align with local career opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Clearwater, SC area, and are there waitlists?
Enrollment timelines for the schools serving Clearwater families generally begin in the winter for the following academic year. Augusta Prep and St. Mary's typically open applications in January or February, with deadlines in early spring. Admission often involves submission of records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. Due to their reputations and limited seats, especially in lower grades, schools like Augusta Prep can have competitive admissions and waitlists. Fox Creek High School, as a public charter, has its own lottery-based enrollment process if applications exceed capacity. It is highly advisable for Clearwater parents to initiate inquiries by November or December to ensure they meet all deadlines.
For a family in Clearwater, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school in Aiken County School District and a private school in the region?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Aiken County public schools offer proximity and no tuition, but families may consider private options for smaller class sizes, specific religious education (like at St. Mary's), or a more intensive college-prep environment (like Augusta Prep). The commute is a major practical consideration; attending a private school often means a 20-45 minute drive to Aiken, North Augusta, or Augusta. Financially, South Carolina's tax credit and scholarship programs can help bridge the cost gap. Additionally, some families value the continuity of a K-12 private program versus transitioning between different public schools in the county. It's recommended to schedule tours and speak with current parents from your Clearwater neighborhood to understand the daily reality of each option.
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