U.S. News & World Report released its 2026‑2027 Best Public High Schools list for South Carolina, and five schools from Greenville County earned spots in the top 25. The rankings, which evaluate graduation rates, college readiness, and standardized‑test performance, underscore the county’s continued focus on academic excellence.
County schools in the top tier
Riverside High School achieved the highest placement for the county, ranking No. 11 statewide. Close behind were Mauldin High School at No. 16, Wade Hampton High School at No. 20, J.L. Mann High Academy at No. 21, and Eastside High School at No. 24. All five schools earned recognition for strong student outcomes and robust curricular offerings.
How the rankings are determined
The U.S. News methodology combines several metrics, including college‑level exam participation, Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores, graduation rates, and the breadth of academic programs. Schools that excel across these categories receive higher composite scores, which translate into the published rankings.
Implications for families and the community
For parents in Greenville County, the rankings provide a useful snapshot of school performance when considering where to enroll their children. The results also reflect the dedication of teachers, administrators, and community volunteers who support student achievement. Local families can use this information alongside school visits and conversations with educators to make informed decisions about their children’s education.
Other Greenville County schools
While the five highlighted schools made the top‑25 list, the district includes several additional high schools that also performed well in the statewide assessment. The full ranking, which lists every public high school evaluated, is available on the U.S. News website.
Where to find the complete list
Readers interested in the complete South Carolina rankings can visit the U.S. News education portal at usnews.com/education/best-high-schools?src=usn_pr. The site provides detailed data for each school, including test scores, college‑readiness indicators, and demographic breakdowns.
Greenville County School District officials praised the achievements, noting that the results reflect ongoing investments in curriculum development, teacher training, and student support services. The district plans to continue its focus on academic rigor and college preparation to maintain and improve these standings in future rankings.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
