Aiken, South Carolina, September 21, 2025

News Summary

Aiken Scholars Academy has achieved remarkable recognition as the top high school in South Carolina, scoring 10th nationally. The academy serves a gifted cohort of 179 students, all enrolled in AP classes, and boasts a diverse learning environment with 34% minority enrollment. Graduates of the class of 2025 earned $4.6 million in scholarships, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence. This recognition by U.S. News and World Report highlights the school’s rigorous academic standards and successful college readiness initiatives.

Aiken, South Carolina

Aiken Scholars Academy has been named the top high school in South Carolina by U.S. News and World Report. The academy has achieved remarkable recognition, scoring 10th nationally in the latest rankings, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence.

Located in Aiken District 1, Aiken Scholars Academy serves a gifted cohort of students, with all 179 students enrolled in AP classes. The school exhibits a diverse learning environment, with 34% minority enrollment and 31% of students considered economically disadvantaged.

Academic Achievements

Graduates of the class of 2025 have collectively earned a significant $4.6 million in scholarships, with 43 students graduating with honors. This highlights the academy’s emphasis on preparing students for higher education and their future careers.

The U.S. News rankings were derived from data analyzed from approximately 24,000 public high schools in the United States, encompassing traditional, charter, and STEM-focused institutions across the nation. Excelling within a competitive pool, Aiken Scholars Academy stands proud in this extensive evaluation process.

Comparative Rankings

Following Aiken Scholars Academy, the second-ranked school in South Carolina is Academic Magnet High School located in North Charleston, which secured the 14th spot nationwide. Academic Magnet has an enrollment of 718 students, where most courses are either honors or AP, and all students are required to complete independent research projects.

In the third position is Charleston School of the Arts, also in North Charleston, where 83% of students take AP classes, with a minority enrollment of 31% and 27% economically disadvantaged. The fourth-ranked school, Spring Hill High School in Lexington District 5, boasts a graduation rate of 95% with 61% AP participation among its 1,102 enrolled students.

Palmetto Scholars Academy, a public charter school in North Charleston, ranks fifth with a graduation rate of 99% and 77% AP participation. Other notable mentions include Mayo High for Math Science and Technology, Spring Hill High School, Chapin High School, Wando High School, Catawba Ridge High School, and Nation Ford High School, which complete the top 10 in South Carolina.

Recognition and Distinctions

Aiken Scholars Academy has also received Platinum distinction from the College Board for its Advanced Placement Program, achieving 100% of the necessary AP criteria. Furthermore, the academy provides dual enrollment opportunities for students to attend USC Aiken for college-level courses during their junior and senior years.

Mead Hall Episcopal School, a private institution, is another school that received Platinum distinction, with 88% of students taking AP courses.

Evaluation Criteria

U.S. News rankings evaluate schools based on six weighted factors, including college readiness, graduation rates, and outcomes for underserved students. These criteria ensure that schools are assessed comprehensively, contributing to the educational landscape in South Carolina and beyond.

Conclusion

Aiken Scholars Academy’s recognition as the top high school in South Carolina is a testament to its academic rigor, student achievements, and commitment to excellence in education. As it leads the state and earns national acclaim, the academy sets a benchmark for other educational institutions.

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Additional Resources

• The State: South Carolina News
• U.S. News: Best High Schools Rankings
• Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama High School Rankings
• WFXG: Cracker Barrel News
• Cleveland.com: Best Public High Schools in 2025

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