For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,493 students in Chester, SC (there are 2 private schools, serving 173 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Chester, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Chester, SC are Chester Senior High School, Academy For Teaching And Learning and Chester Park Elementary School For The Arts. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chester, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Chester have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Chester, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chester Senior High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1330 J. A. Cochran Bypass
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 377-3161
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 377-3161
Gr: 9-12 | 699 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #22.
Academy For Teaching And Learning
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
109 Hinton Street
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 385-6334
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 385-6334
Gr: K-8 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Chester Park Elementary School For The Arts
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
835-a Lancaster Highway
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-7279
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-7279
Gr: PK-5 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #44.
Chester Park School Elementary Of Inquiry
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
835-c Lancaster Highway
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-7282
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-7282
Gr: PK-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #55.
Chester Park Elementary School Of Literacy And Technology
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
835-b Lancaster Highway
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-7275
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-7275
Gr: PK-5 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #66.
Chester Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1014 Mccandless Road
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 377-8192
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 377-8192
Gr: 6-8 | 479 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: n/an/a
Chester County Career Center
Vocational School
1324 J. A. Cochran Bypass
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 377-1991
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 377-1991
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Chester, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Chester, SC include Chester Senior High School, Academy For Teaching And Learning and Chester Park Elementary School For The Arts.
How many public schools are located in Chester?
7 public schools are located in Chester.
What percentage of students in Chester go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Chester are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Chester?
Chester public schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Chester are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Chester include: Chester Park School Elementary Of Inquiry vs. Chester Park Elementary School For The Arts, Academy For Teaching And Learning vs. Chester Park Elementary School For The Arts, Chester Park Elementary School For The Arts vs. Chester Park School Elementary Of Inquiry
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