For the 2026 school year, there are 3 alternative public elementary schools serving 436 students in South Carolina.
The top-ranked alternative public elementary schools in South Carolina are Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center, Empowerment And Enrichment Academy and The Palmetto Empowerment And Enrichment Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Carolina alternative public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the South Carolina public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Alternative Public Elementary Schools in South Carolina (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9037
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9037
Gr: 4-12 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #22.
Empowerment And Enrichment Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9114
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 896-9114
Gr: 5-12
Rank: #33.
The Palmetto Empowerment And Enrichment Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5000 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-5952
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-5952
Gr: 5-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked alternative public elementary schools in South Carolina?
The top-ranked alternative public elementary schools in South Carolina include Scdjj Evaluation And Detention Center, Empowerment And Enrichment Academy and The Palmetto Empowerment And Enrichment Academy.
How many alternative public elementary schools are located in South Carolina?
3 alternative public elementary schools are located in South Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in South Carolina?
South Carolina alternative public elementary schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public elementary schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.