How to Choose the Best Private School in Greenville, SC

Not only is Greenville, SC, a vibrant place to work and live—with mountains out your back door and beaches only a few hours away—but it boasts some of South Carolina’s best schools, both private and public. With 56 private schools serving nearly 11,000 students in the Greenville area, parents who want a private education for their children have a lot of options for both well-respected religious schools and nonsectarian preparatory schools.

While choice is a good thing, it can also make the decision-making process more difficult. To help you get started, Monogram Concierge has compiled profiles for six exceptional private schools that you may want to consider as you start your search.

Six Top-Ranked Private Schools in the Greenville Area

Monogram Concierge has put together profiles of six private schools in the Greenville area that have outstanding reputations and are located throughout the greater Greenville area. The schools we have chosen have superior academic programs; offer a variety of sports, arts, and extra-curricular experiences; have low teacher/student ratios; and produce strong SAT scores and college acceptance rates each year.

The approximate average tuition for private schools in Greenville (for both lower and upper schools) is $6600.00 per year, and the average teacher/student ratio is 1:12. Our profiles include a 2017-2018 or 2018-2019 tuition range that reflects a gradual rate increase from lower school to upper school. We have not included other fees such as application and testing fees, matriculation fees, or enrollment fees. Please contact the schools directly for more specific information regarding costs.

• Best Overall: Christ Church Episcopal School

A K-12 independent college preparatory school in the Episcopal tradition. Established in 1959, Christ Church Episcopal School is known in the Greenville area for its remarkable arts and theater program and its rigorous academics.

Enrollment: 1100
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10
Average SAT: 1280
College Acceptance Rate: 100%
Foreign Language: Primer- 5th Grade learn exploratory Spanish. Grades 6-8 choose Spanish, Latin, French, or Chinese. Grades 9-12 have the additional choice of German.
Honors Academics: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, International Baccalaureate Program, AP Courses
Non-Academic Programs: 47 athletic teams, well-developed arts programs, service learning opportunities, extensive clubs and extracurriculars for both lower and upper schools.
Faculty: 71% have advanced degrees.
Uniforms: YES
Religious Affiliation: Episcopalian, weekly chapel
Admissions: Strict application deadline. Families should begin the admissions process during the fall preceding the anticipated year of enrollment. Priority deadline is December 1.
Apply Online: CCES Online Application
Tuition Range: $12,830.40 to $17,529.60
Tuition Assistance: Need-based tuition assistance available.
Contact Information: 245 Cavalier Dr, Greenville, SC 29607, 864-299-1522, https://www.cces.org/page

• Best SAT Scores: Greenville Classical Academy

A PK-12 Classical Christian Academy whose philosophy states that the “chief end of education is to prepare students to worship and glorify God.” GCA is an academically excellent private school with a low student-to-teacher ratio. The Academy was established in 2004 and offers a classical education as well as a flexible homeschool hybrid option.

Enrollment: 202
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:6
Average SAT: 1355
College Acceptance Rate: 100%
Foreign Language: School-wide Latin instruction beginning in 3rd grade. Spanish offered starting in 8th grade.
Non-Academic Programs: A variety of student organizations, activities, and field trips. Athletics include girls volleyball, girls and boys basketball, girls and boys cross country, boys and girls soccer, and girls softball.
Faculty: 50% have advanced degrees. “We desire for our administration, faculty, and additional staff to have an active and faithful walk with Christ, to have a true love for teaching children, to be committed to the classical model of education, and to have a love of learning and a passion and skill for their subjects.”
Uniforms: YES
Religious Affiliation: Christian, weekly chapel
Admissions: Lenient application deadline. Applications become available in November for the following school year. Submit application by July 15th for a lower Admission Fee.
Apply Online: GCA Online Application
Tuition Range: Five day, PK through 7th grade: $2983.00 to $7300. 7th through 12th grade students are enrolled in a university model schedule where classes meet with M-W-F or T-Th and tuition is paid per class. In addition, Upper School students have the option of doing an on-campus/homeschool hybrid. See website or call Admissions for further details.
Tuition Assistance: Need-based tuition assistance available, multiple-student discounts offered.
Contact Information: 2519 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29681, 864-329-9884, https://greenvilleclassical.com

• Nationally Recognized: Spartanburg Day School

Spartanburg Day School is a nationally accredited, nonsectarian independent school for students in grades 3K-12 that was founded in 1957. Spartanburg Day is known for its stellar academic programs and its well-educated faculty—nearly three-quarters have advanced degrees, more than any other private school on our list!

Enrollment: 450
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12
Average SAT: 1261
College Acceptance Rate: 100%
Foreign Language: Spanish in Lower School. Spanish and Latin in Middle School. Spanish, Latin, French through AP Level in Upper School. Accepts International Students in Upper School.
Honors Academics: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, International Baccalaureate Program, AP Courses.
Non-Academic Programs: A variety of student organizations, activities, and field trips. Extensive visual and performing arts programs. Athletics program includes 11 sports.
Faculty: 74% have advanced degrees.
Uniforms: YES
Religious Affiliation: None
Admissions: Lenient application deadline. Continuous enrollment deadline is February 15th. No stated deadline for new students.
Apply Online: SDS Online Application
Tuition Range: $3455.00 to $19,230.00
Tuition Assistance: Need-based tuition assistance available, merit-based scholarships awarded.
Contact Information: 1701 Skylyn Dr. Spartanburg, SC 29307, 864-582-7539, http://www.spartanburgdayschool.org/

• Best Evangelical Education: Hampton Park Christian School

A K4-12 Christian School that is part of the ministry of Hampton Park Baptist Church and provides high quality, Bible-based instruction. Homeschool hybrid option available. Strong academics and equally strong religious teaching are the cornerstone of this school that has served the Greenville area since 1970.

Enrollment: 420
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:17
Average SAT: 1200
College Acceptance Rate: High
Foreign Language: Spanish
Honors Academics: Honors classes offered.
Non-Academic Programs: A variety of student organizations, activities, and field trips. Athletics include girls volleyball, girls and boys basketball, boys and girls soccer, and boys baseball.
Faculty: More than 33% have advanced degrees.
Uniforms: NO, but students are expected to abide by a dress code
Religious Affiliation: Baptist, weekly chapel
Admissions: Lenient application deadline. They offer a Part-Time Student Program for students in 7th-12th grades for students who are homeschooled and taking 3½ units or fewer per year at Hampton Park.
Apply Online: HPCS Printable Application
Tuition Range: $3,480 to $6,790
Tuition Assistance: Need-based tuition assistance available, multiple-student discounts offered. Contact admissions for tuition details for part-time students.
Contact Information: 875 State Park Road, Greenville, SC 29609, 864-233-0556, www.hpcsonline.org

• Newest: Veritas Preparatory School

Founded recently in 2013, Veritas is a K5-9 (and adding a grade each year) Classical Christian School partnering with parents to provide a classical Christian, University Model education to students. Located in the heart of the downtown Greenville area.

Enrollment: 105
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:6
Foreign Language: School-wide Latin instruction beginning in 3rd grade.
Non-Academic Programs: All students receive instruction in art, music, and sports training.
Faculty: “We desire for our administration, faculty, and additional staff to have an active and faithful walk with Christ, to have a true love for teaching children, to be committed to the classical model of education, and to have a love of learning and a passion and skill for their subjects.”
Uniforms: YES
Religious Affiliation: Christian
Admissions: Strict application deadline. Enrollment for next year is already limited. Application deadline is April 15.
Apply Online: VPS Online Application
Tuition: $4800 to $6500
Tuition Assistance: Need-based tuition assistance available
Contact information: 701 Cleveland St, Greenville, SC 29602, 864-309-0511, http://www.veritasgreenville.com/index/

• Best Catholic Education: St. Joseph’s Catholic School

A 6-12 private, Roman Catholic, co-educational, college-preparatory day school. St. Joseph’s has been ranked among the top 50 Catholic schools in the USA. Established in 1993.

Enrollment: 700
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12
Average SAT: 1198
College Acceptance Rate: 100%
Foreign Language: French I and Spanish I in 8th grade. French, Spanish, and Latin in High School.
Honors Academics: Honors and AP classes offered.
Non-Academic programs: Athletics and fine arts, as well as academic, leadership, service, and personal enrichment clubs and organizations
Faculty: 51% have advanced degrees.
Uniforms: YES
Religious Affiliation: Catholic, weekly Mass services
Admissions: Lenient application deadline, but families are encouraged to begin the admissions process during the fall preceding the anticipated year of enrollment.
Apply Online: SJCS Printable Admissions Forms
Tuition Range: $11,940.00 to $13,410.00
Tuition Assistance: Need-based tuition assistance available, merit-based scholarships awarded. Multiple-student discounts offered.
Contact Information: 100 St. Joseph’s Dr., Greenville, SC 29607, 864-234-9009, http://www.sjcatholicschool.org

These represent only a handful of the many exceptional private schools available in Greenville, SC. The weight of choosing the right school for your child can feel overwhelming, and we understand it is a significant decision for parents.

Monogram Concierge can assist you in further researching any of these or other schools that may interest you. Call us for an appointment and let us help outline your priorities and preferences in your search for a private or public school that best fits your children’s needs.

We can assemble a portfolio of matching selections and from there can schedule appointments for you to visit schools and meet with admissions counselors. After your children are happily attending an excellent Greenville school, Monogram Concierge will be here to assist you in managing your schedule and helping you keep track of all of your children’s athletic commitments and extracurricular meetings and activities.