When searching for the perfect place to make a home, many buyers want to know where the best schools in Charleston are located. Whether you have children or work as a teacher/staff member – or whether you simply want the quality of schools to help with future resale value of your home – know that Charleston has wonderful public and private schools throughout. Two great areas to start your search will be Mount Pleasant and James Island. According to SchoolDigger.com, here is how the Mount Pleasant and James Island area schools ranked in 2012:
Mount Pleasant real estate: This community has many master planned neighborhoods which include amenities such as pools, walking trails, tennis, golf, play parks, grocery stores, shops, and even schools inside the community. Some of the most popular communities are Park West, Rivertowne, Dunes West, Brickyard Plantation, and Charleston National.
Elementary Schools in Mt. Pleasant (out of 550 elementary schools that were ranked in SC)
Mt. Pleasant Academy: 7
Charles Pinckney Elementary: 14
East Cooper Montessori: 36
Belle Hall Elementary: 37
Jennie Moore Elementary: 42
Mamie Whitesides Elementary: 80
James B. Edwards Elementary: 123
Middle Schools (out of 244 in SC)
Thomas C. Cario Middle: 6
Moultrie Middle: 12
Laing Middle: 36
High School: (out of 209 in SC)
Wando High: 8 (this is the only public high school in Mt. Pleasant)
James Island real estate: This is a smaller community that’s known for its easy going atmosphere and great selection of independently owned shops and restaurants. Also, the beach and downtown Charleston are both within a very short drive. The James Island County Park is a wonderful asset on the island for people who love the outdoors. It features trails, a water park, paddle boats, a large children’s play park, open fields, a dog park, fishing, and a climbing wall.
Elementary Schools on James Island (out of 550 in SC)
Stiles Point Elementary: 26
Harborview Elementary: 40
James Island Elementary: 212
Murray Lasaine Elementary: 242
Middle Schools (out of 244 in SC)
Fort Johnson Middle: 26
James Island Middle: 97
High School (out of 209 in SC)
James Island Charter High: 20 (this is James Island’s only public high school)
More detailed information on each of these schools in Charleston can be found at http://ed.sc.gov/data/report-cards/2011/district.cfm?ID=1001. School report cards are organized by district and are put together by the SC State Department of Education. You can view, save, and print reports on all schools in your district. Another good resource we’ve found for comparing Charleston schools is http://www.greatschools.org/.
All schools in Charleston will allow parents to tour the facilities and speak with the principles, so do not hesitate to visit any schools that you are considering. Experiencing the educational environment firsthand is often just as helpful as researching school rankings. If you’re considering buying Charleston real estate – and schools are an important factor in making your decision – contact us for more information!