The Best Private Schools in Taylors, South Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Taylors. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Christ Church Episcopal School
Independent Episcopal School
Christ Church Episcopal School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Greenville/Taylors area with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. CCES offers a rigorous academic curriculum with over 20 AP courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention. With a beautiful 68-acre campus, it serves students from pre-K through 12th grade and has a strong record of college placements.
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St. Joseph's Catholic School
Diocese of Charleston
St. Joseph's Catholic School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Taylors and greater Greenville area. The school offers a challenging academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern facilities including science and technology labs, fine arts studios, and athletic complexes. St. Joseph's emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, offering comprehensive spiritual development programs. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment, with students consistently achieving above national averages on standardized tests.
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Shannon Forest Christian School
Independent Christian School
Shannon Forest Christian School has been serving the Greenville/Taylors community for over five decades with a Christ-centered educational approach. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview training across all subjects. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Shannon Forest provides a strong academic foundation with small class sizes, individualized attention, and a variety of extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports and fine arts programs. The school maintains a family-like atmosphere while preparing students for college success and lifelong learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Taylors, South Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Taylors, South Carolina?
Taylors, SC, is served by several highly-regarded private schools, though it's important to note that some are located just outside the immediate Taylors boundary. The top institutions include **Christ Church Episcopal School** (located in Greenville but serving the greater area, including Taylors), **St. Joseph's Catholic School** (in Greenville), and **Shannon Forest Christian School** (in Greenville). These schools offer a range of educational philosophies from college-preparatory Episcopal and Catholic traditions to an evangelical Christian environment. Many Taylors families also consider other Upstate private schools in nearby Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Greer due to the region's interconnectedness.
How does tuition for private schools in the Taylors, SC, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to South Carolina?
Tuition in the Taylors/Greenville area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000 to over $25,000 annually, depending on the school and grade level. All major schools like Christ Church Episcopal, St. Joseph's, and Shannon Forest offer need-based financial aid. A key South Carolina-specific benefit is the **Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children's Fund**, which provides tuition grants for students with documented special needs to attend eligible private schools. Additionally, the statewide **SC Tuition Tax Credit** program allows donors to contribute to non-profit scholarship funding organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Taylors residents?
Private schools serving Taylors offer distinctive programs leveraging the Upstate's resources. **Christ Church Episcopal School** features a renowned global studies program and extensive STEM facilities. **St. Joseph's Catholic School** offers a strong classical education model and is part of the Notre Dame ACE Academies network. **Shannon Forest Christian School** emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across all subjects and often has robust fine arts programs. Many of these schools also utilize the nearby Blue Ridge mountains for outdoor education and environmental science programs, a unique geographic advantage for Taylors-area students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Taylors, South Carolina area?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools near Taylors is highly structured and begins early. Most schools open applications for the following academic year in **August or September**, with deadlines typically between **January and February**. The process almost always includes a parent tour, a student visit or assessment day, submission of records and teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Due to high demand, especially for entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade), it is crucial for Taylors families to initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance. Rolling admissions may be available for upper grades if spaces remain.
For a family in Taylors, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (Greenville County Schools) to the available private options?
The key considerations for Taylors families include educational approach, class size, and religious affiliation. Taylors is zoned for **Greenville County Schools**, a large and highly-rated district with options like Taylors Elementary and Blue Ridge Middle. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+), a specific religious or values-based education, and often more consistent college preparatory tracking from middle school onward. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks the diverse, resource-rich environment of a large public system or the focused, community-oriented environment of a private school. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools do not provide district busing, making carpooling a common practice among Taylors families.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near Taylors, SC: A Parent's Guide to Private Education
As a parent in Taylors, South Carolina, the search for the right educational environment for your child is both exciting and deeply personal. When you type "prep schools near me" into a search engine, you're looking for more than just a list of names; you're seeking a community that aligns with your family's values and your child's unique potential. Here in the Upstate, we are fortunate to have several exceptional private institutions that serve as true college preparatory schools, each offering a distinct path toward academic excellence and character development.
The concept of a prep school in Taylors extends beyond rigorous academics. It encompasses a holistic approach designed to prepare students for the demands of higher education and life beyond. Local options like Christ Church Episcopal School, St. Joseph's Catholic School, and Shannon Forest Christian School exemplify this mission, though in different ways. Christ Church Episcopal, located just a short drive away, is known for its strong academic tradition and extensive extracurricular offerings, fostering well-rounded scholars. St. Joseph's Catholic School provides a faith-based education rooted in moral development alongside a challenging curriculum. Shannon Forest Christian School integrates a biblical worldview throughout its college-prep program, emphasizing spiritual growth. Visiting each campus is crucial, as you'll feel the distinct culture and community spirit that numbers on a page cannot convey.
Your search for "prep schools near me" in Taylors must also consider practical logistics and fit. The daily commute is a real factor for Upstate families. Thankfully, Taylors' location provides reasonable access to these schools, but traffic on Wade Hampton Boulevard or the I-385 corridor can influence your morning routine. Think about after-school activities and how they align with your schedule. Furthermore, consider the long-term trajectory. A true preparatory school should offer robust college counseling, Advanced Placement or honors tracks, and opportunities for leadership. Ask about where recent graduates have been accepted to university; this is a tangible result of the school's preparatory effectiveness.
Finally, engaging with the community is your most valuable step. Beyond open houses, try to attend a sporting event or a theater production at the schools you are considering. You'll see the student body in action and can often chat with current parents in the stands—a priceless source of candid insight. The investment in a private preparatory education in Taylors is significant, not just financially but in terms of your family's commitment. It is an investment in small class sizes where teachers know your child's name, in a tailored approach to learning, and in a partnership aimed at unlocking your child's future. Your local search is the first step in finding a place where your student will not only be prepared for college but will be nurtured, challenged, and inspired throughout the journey.
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