The Best Private Schools in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Myrtle Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James School
Catholic Diocese of Charleston
St. James School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the North Myrtle Beach and greater Myrtle Beach area. Founded in 1994, the school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty who provide individualized attention. Their curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive fine arts education, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school.
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Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach
Independent Christian School
Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach is a premier private Christian school serving the North Myrtle Beach community with comprehensive K-12 education. Established in 1996, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical principles. The academy features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Their program includes Advanced Placement courses, competitive sports teams, extensive fine arts offerings, and community service opportunities. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, dedicated faculty, and family-oriented environment that emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Lowcountry Preparatory School
Independent College Preparatory School
Lowcountry Preparatory School is a distinguished independent college preparatory school serving North Myrtle Beach and the greater Grand Strand area. Founded in 1989, the school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong focus on academic excellence and character development. The school features an International Baccalaureate program, advanced STEM curriculum, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. With a beautiful 40-acre campus in Pawleys Island, the school provides modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school is particularly noted for its high college acceptance rates, small class sizes, and comprehensive student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
What are the primary private school options serving families in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and what are their educational approaches?
North Myrtle Beach is primarily served by a few key private institutions, though many families also consider schools in the broader Grand Strand area. Within the city, notable options include St. James School (a Catholic school offering PK-8 education), Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach (a nondenominational Christian school with a campus convenient to North Myrtle Beach, serving K-12), and Lowcountry Preparatory School in nearby Pawleys Island (a college-preparatory school for PK-12 with a strong reputation that attracts families from North Myrtle Beach). Their approaches range from faith-based curricula to rigorous college-prep, so visiting each is crucial to finding the right fit for your child's needs and your family's values.
How does tuition for private schools in the North Myrtle Beach, SC, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the North Myrtle Beach area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary grades at local faith-based schools often range from $7,000 to $10,000 annually, while comprehensive PK-12 college preparatory schools can exceed $15,000. A key financial consideration specific to South Carolina is the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children program, which provides a tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, potentially aiding eligible families. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts. It's important to inquire directly with schools like Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach or Lowcountry Preparatory School about their specific tuition schedules and aid applications.
Given North Myrtle Beach's coastal location and tourism economy, do local private schools offer any unique academic or extracurricular programs?
Yes, several private schools in the area leverage the unique coastal environment of the Grand Strand. Programs often include enhanced environmental science and marine biology studies, with potential for fieldwork in local estuaries and beaches. Some schools integrate local history, such as the Gullah Geechee culture, into their social studies curricula. Extracurricularly, you may find strong sailing clubs, coastal conservation projects, and golf academies that align with the region's identity. Lowcountry Preparatory School, for instance, emphasizes its connection to the local environment in its overall educational philosophy, offering a distinctive experience compared to inland schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in North Myrtle Beach, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for North Myrtle Beach area private schools generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year, with key application deadlines between January and March. Admission competitiveness varies: popular schools like St. James School, with its smaller class sizes, may have waiting lists for certain grades, while others have rolling admission based on availability. The process almost always includes an application, submission of past academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student assessment or visit day. Due to the transient nature of some coastal communities, spots can sometimes open up mid-year, but planning ahead is strongly advised for the best chance of placement.
For families considering a move to North Myrtle Beach, what are the major considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools and private options?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Horry County public schools, like North Myrtle Beach High School, are large and offer extensive athletic programs and certain advanced academic tracks (AP/IB). Private schools in the area, such as those listed, typically offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specific value-based or pedagogical approaches (e.g., religious education or progressive college-prep). A major consideration is the seasonal tourism influx, which can impact public school resources and classroom sizes. Private schools may provide more stability in that regard. Ultimately, touring both types—assessing the campus culture, specific academic offerings, and extracurricular alignment with your child's interests—is essential for a North Myrtle Beach-specific choice.
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