For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 2,556 students in Central, SC.
The top-ranked public schools in Central, SC are D. W. Daniel High School, R. C. Edwards Middle School and Central Academy Of The Arts. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Central, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Central have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Central, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
D. W. Daniel High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
140 Blue And Gold Boulevard
Central, SC 29630
(864) 397-2900
Central, SC 29630
(864) 397-2900
Gr: 9-12 | 1,222 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
R. C. Edwards Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1157 Madden Bridge Road
Central, SC 29630
(864) 397-4200
Central, SC 29630
(864) 397-4200
Gr: 6-8 | 835 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Central Academy Of The Arts
(Math: 54% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
608 Johnson Road
Central, SC 29630
(864) 397-1400
Central, SC 29630
(864) 397-1400
Gr: PK-5 | 499 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Central, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Central, SC include D. W. Daniel High School, R. C. Edwards Middle School and Central Academy Of The Arts.
How many public schools are located in Central?
3 public schools are located in Central.
What is the racial composition of students in Central?
Central public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.