The Best Private Schools in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Pleasant. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Christ Our King-Stella Maris School
Catholic Diocese of Charleston
Christ Our King-Stella Maris is a highly-regarded Catholic school located directly in Mount Pleasant, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded in 1949, the school provides a faith-based education combined with academic excellence in a nurturing environment. The comprehensive curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, foreign language instruction, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With strong parent involvement and a dedicated faculty, the school consistently achieves outstanding academic results and prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
Programs:
Porter-Gaud School
Independent
Porter-Gaud is a prestigious independent Episcopal school serving students from Mount Pleasant and the greater Charleston area. Founded in 1867, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The 88-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from a comprehensive program that balances academic excellence with character development, community service, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams and renowned arts programs.
Programs:
Ashley Hall
Independent
Ashley Hall is a premier independent school for girls located in historic Charleston, serving students from Mount Pleasant and surrounding communities. Founded in 1909, the school provides an exceptional educational experience focused on developing confident, intellectually curious young women. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and global perspectives, with outstanding college placement results. The beautiful urban campus features modern academic facilities, arts studios, science labs, and athletic spaces. Ashley Hall's tight-knit community and personalized approach ensure each student receives individual attention and support.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
What are the main types of private schools available in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and how do they differ?
Mount Pleasant offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories. First, there are prestigious independent schools like Porter-Gaud School (though its main campus is in Charleston, it serves many Mount Pleasant families) and Ashley Hall (an all-girls school in Charleston), which offer rigorous college-preparatory curricula. Second, there are highly-regarded parochial schools like Christ Our King-Stella Maris School, a Catholic school serving grades K-8. Third, the area has various faith-based academies and independent preparatory schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, student body size, and campus location—some require a commute across the Ravenel Bridge into Charleston. Many Mount Pleasant families choose schools based on this blend of local community-focused options and access to Charleston's historic institutions.
How does tuition for private schools in the Mount Pleasant, SC, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist locally?
Tuition for top private schools in the Mount Pleasant/Charleston area is generally above the South Carolina state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Porter-Gaud can exceed $30,000 for upper grades, while Christ Our King-Stella Maris is typically in the $10,000-$15,000 range. Importantly, South Carolina offers the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children, a tax credit for expenses related to special needs education, and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship for later college preparation. Locally, most schools have robust need-based financial aid programs and some offer merit scholarships. Additionally, many Mount Pleasant families utilize the SC Educational Savings Account program, though eligibility is specific. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their dedicated aid budgets and application deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving Mount Pleasant families?
Private schools in the Mount Pleasant area leverage their Lowcountry setting for unique programs. Many emphasize marine biology and environmental science, with field studies in the local marshes and coastal ecosystems. Porter-Gaud, for instance, has strong engineering and robotics programs. Given Charleston's historic significance, history and civics curricula are deeply integrated with local landmarks. Ashley Hall emphasizes global studies and leadership for young women. Christ Our King-Stella Maris incorporates Catholic values with a strong focus on community service within Mount Pleasant. Extracurricularly, sailing, crew (on the Cooper River), and competitive golf are common, alongside renowned arts programs that connect to Charleston's vibrant cultural scene. This blend of academic rigor with local context is a hallmark of the area's schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Mount Pleasant, SC?
The enrollment process for Mount Pleasant's sought-after private schools is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. For schools like Porter-Gaud, Ashley Hall, and Christ Our King-Stella Maris, applications for the following fall typically open in August or September, with deadlines between January and February. The process usually includes: 1) a campus tour and open house (often in the fall), 2) submission of application forms, teacher recommendations, and transcripts, 3) standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT) for middle and upper schools, and 4) a family and/or student interview. Notification dates are commonly in March. For the popular parochial schools within Mount Pleasant itself, like Christ Our King-Stella Maris, priority is often given to parish members and siblings, so early contact with the parish is advised. Waiting lists are common, so prompt application is crucial.
How do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in Mount Pleasant private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in the area, and what are the trade-offs?
Mount Pleasant is known for its excellent public schools (like Wando High School), which are large and offer extensive AP courses and extracurriculars but with larger class sizes, often 25-30 students. In contrast, private schools in the area typically maintain significantly lower student-teacher ratios, often between 8:1 and 12:1. This allows for more individualized attention. The trade-off involves cost (public schools are free) and scale. Public schools offer vast sports teams and specialty programs due to their size, while private schools offer a more curated, community-focused environment and often more flexibility in curriculum. For families in Mount Pleasant, the choice often comes down to prioritizing personalized learning and specific values (e.g., religious education) versus the comprehensive, no-tuition model of the large, high-achieving public districts. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools may not provide bus service from all Mount Pleasant neighborhoods.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities