CCSD earns 11 spots among South Carolina’s Top 10 elementary and middle schools in U.S. news rankings
October 26, 2026
Ten CCSD schools recognized statewide, with Buist Academy ranking in both elementary and middle school categories
Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced that 10 schools have earned a combined 11 spots among South Carolina’s Top 10 elementary and middle schools in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best K–8 Schools rankings.
Leading the elementary school rankings, Buist Academy earned the #1 spot in South Carolina, followed by Belle Hall Elementary at #2 and Mt. Pleasant Academy at #9. CCSD also secured seven of the state’s Top 10 middle school rankings, with Buist Academy and Charleston County School of the Arts earning the #2 and #3 spots, respectively.
CCSD schools recognized in this year’s state rankings include:
Elementary Schools
- Buist Academy — #1 in South Carolina
- Belle Hall Elementary — #2 in South Carolina
- Mt. Pleasant Academy — #9 in South Carolina
Middle Schools
- Buist Academy — #2 in South Carolina
- Charleston County School of the Arts — #3 in South Carolina
- Moultrie Middle School — #6 in South Carolina
- Thomas C. Cario Middle School — #7 in South Carolina
- Laing Middle School — #8 in South Carolina
- Montessori Community School — #9 in South Carolina
- Orange Grove Charter — #10 in South Carolina
“These rankings are a tremendous recognition of the hard work happening in our classrooms every day,” said CCSD Superintendent Anita Huggins. “Having 10 of our schools represented among the state’s best, including seven of the Top 10 middle schools, reflects the dedication of our exceptional educators, the commitment of our students and families, and the high expectations we hold for student success. We are incredibly proud of these school communities and remain focused on ensuring every child, in every school, has access to the excellent instruction, support, and opportunities they deserve.”
The U.S. News & World Report Best K–8 Schools rankings recognize public elementary and middle schools based on student performance on state assessments, with consideration given to student achievement and performance in the context of socioeconomic demographics.
These latest recognitions add to CCSD’s strong showing in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, which placed four CCSD high schools among South Carolina’s Top 10. Academic Magnet High School also earned national distinction, ranking #23 in the United States.
Together, these achievements highlight the strength of teaching and learning across CCSD and the district’s continued commitment to accelerating student achievement and expanding opportunities for all students.
