The Best Private Schools in Georgetown, South Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Georgetown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach
Independent Christian School
Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach is a premier private school serving the Grand Strand region, including Georgetown families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with Advanced Placement courses, integrated technology, and a strong biblical worldview curriculum. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and fine arts studios. The school is known for its competitive athletics programs, vibrant arts departments, and high college acceptance rates. Parent satisfaction surveys indicate excellent communication, dedicated faculty, and a safe, nurturing learning environment.
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Coastal Christian Preparatory School
Independent Christian School
Coastal Christian Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Christ-centered private school offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features modern facilities including science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs emphasize STEM integration, Advanced Placement opportunities, and character development. Extracurriculars include competitive sports teams, music, drama, and community service initiatives. Parent reviews consistently highlight strong teacher-student relationships, high academic standards, and a supportive community environment.
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St. James School
Independent School
St. James School is an accredited independent school offering the International Baccalaureate program to students from preschool through high school, serving the coastal region including Georgetown. The school emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and holistic education through advanced academic tracks, extensive arts programs, and competitive sports. Facilities feature technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with highly qualified teachers and strong parent involvement, resulting in consistently high student achievement and satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Georgetown, South Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Georgetown, South Carolina, and are there commuting considerations?
The immediate Georgetown area has limited on-site private K-12 institutions, leading many families to consider schools in neighboring communities. The most prominent options include Coastal Christian Preparatory School in Murrells Inlet (approx. 20-25 min drive), Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach in Myrtle Beach (approx. 35-40 min drive), and St. James School in Myrtle Beach (approx. 35 min drive). This means commuting is a significant factor for Georgetown residents. It's important to visit these schools, assess carpool possibilities, and factor travel time into your daily routine. Some families also explore smaller church-affiliated academies within Georgetown County.
How does tuition for private schools serving Georgetown, SC, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the primary private schools accessible to Georgetown families is generally below the major metropolitan averages in South Carolina but reflects the coastal market. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 for elementary grades, potentially higher for high school. South Carolina offers the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children, a tax credit for expenses related to special needs, and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship for high-achieving high school seniors. More directly, most schools like Coastal Christian Preparatory and Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and payment plans. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school and the third-party service they use (often FACTS).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Georgetown offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Several private schools in the Greater Myrtle Beach area, which serve Georgetown students, integrate the unique Lowcountry and coastal setting into their curricula. For example, Coastal Christian Preparatory emphasizes environmental stewardship and may offer marine biology modules or coastal ecology field studies. Many schools incorporate South Carolina history and the role of the Georgetown port and rice plantations into their social studies programs. Extracurricularly, some schools have sailing clubs, fishing teams, or strong connections to local maritime museums and wildlife refuges for educational trips, providing a distinctive learning environment not always found in inland schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Georgetown/Myrtle Beach area, and how early should parents apply?
The enrollment process for schools like St. James School, Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach, and Coastal Christian Preparatory usually begins in the fall for the following academic year. Re-enrollment for current families often happens in January-February, opening spots for new applicants. The key steps involve: 1) Attending an open house (typically held in the fall and winter), 2) Submitting an application by February or March for priority consideration, 3) Scheduling a student assessment and family interview, and 4) Receiving an admissions decision by spring. For Georgetown families, applying early is critical due to limited seats and potential waitlists, especially for specific grades. Starting your research 12-18 months in advance is highly recommended.
For a Georgetown resident, what are the key factors when comparing the local public school district (Georgetown County School District) with commuting to a private school?
The decision hinges on several Georgetown-specific factors. The public schools are zoned and offer proximity, with no tuition or commute costs. Georgetown County School District has various programs, but some parents seek alternatives due to perceived larger class sizes or specific academic desires. Opting for a private school involves a substantial daily commute (30-45 minutes each way to the Myrtle Beach area), added tuition costs, and often a more explicitly faith-based environment (if choosing a Christian school). The trade-off may include smaller class sizes, a particular curricular focus (like college-prep or classical education), and a consistent peer community. Visiting both your zoned public school and the private options is essential to feel the difference in culture and offerings.
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