Religious and Christian Schools in Upstate, SC

An independent college preparatory school in the Episcopal tradition, Christ Church Episcopal School is one of the Greenville, SC area’s most prestigious academic institutions, serving approximately 1,200 students in grades K5-12.

If you are looking for a school that will offer your child an educational experience unlike any other in the Upstate, a school that champions exploration and critical thinking within a community where every child is known, supported, and valued, then you will want to consider becoming a part of the CCES family.

What makes CCES different from other Upstate schools? CCES offers a unique academic journey from Primer (K5) through 12th grade, from the IB Primary Years Program in Lower School to Advanced Placement and IB courses in Upper School, with a 100% college acceptance rate and SAT scores that consistently outpace national averages.

Is financial aid available? Yes! Tuition assistance is available for families who qualify. Visit cces.org/admission/financial-aid to learn more.

Best For: Students K5–12th grade whose families want rigorous IB and AP academics within a values-driven, community-centered school
Location: 245 Cavalier Drive, Greenville, SC
Website: cces.org

⭐2026 KABOOM Award Finalist for Top Private School in Greenville, SC
⭐2026 KABOOM Award Finalist for Top Preschool in Greenville, SC

Bob Jones Academy (BJA) has been partnering with Christian families since 1927 to provide an excellent, Christ-centered education for students from preschool through 12th grade. With a nurturing faculty and a strong academic foundation, BJA equips students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally in a caring, supportive environment.

At BJA, students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence while developing integrity, character, and a love for Jesus Christ. Instruction is rooted in a biblical worldview, and teachers model Christ-like character while challenging students to think critically, work diligently, and serve others. Our guiding principles, eternity-focused, growing, humble, transparent, unified, loving, and excellent, shape everything we do.

BJA’s college-preparatory program prepares students for future success with rigorous coursework, including honors math and science tracks and a robust dual-credit program through Bob Jones University. Graduates leave BJA confident, well-prepared for college, and grounded in their faith. Bob Jones Academy is fully accredited by both Cognia and the American Association of Christian Schools.

To learn more about how Bob Jones Academy can partner with your family, contact us at bja@bobjonesacademy.net or 864.770.1395.

 Questions parents ask about Southside Christian School:

How strong are the academics? SCS offers a rigorous, college-preparatory program with AP, honors, and dual-enrollment options. Small class sizes allow teachers to give individualized attention, balancing academic challenge with meaningful support for every student.
How is faith integrated into the school day? A biblical worldview is woven into every subject area and throughout student life. Teachers model Christian values, students participate in chapel, and spiritual formation is central to the SCS mission, creating an environment where faith and learning genuinely go hand in hand.
What makes SCS different from other private schools? SCS combines superior academics with award-winning fine arts, competitive athletics, and meaningful co-curricular opportunities, all within a close-knit community where students are known by name and encouraged to discover all that God has for them.

Best for: Students Pre-K through 12th grade whose families want rigorous academics grounded in biblical truth
Southside Christian Website: southsidechristian.org
Location: Simpsonville, SC 

Our objective at Abiding Peace Academy is to provide an exceptional education, instilling a love of learning in each student by nurturing his or her intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and physical development in a safe, loving, Christian community; while imparting a strong faith in the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Abiding Peace Academy can make a difference in your child’s life. The foundation of our education is Christ, and children grow in the Christian teachings and values each day. Our small class sizes and dedicated teachers ensure that each child receives the nurturing attention they deserve. APA students routinely score above national averages on standardized tests.  Aftercare is also available each weekday for elementary school students. 

What makes APA different from other Christian schools? Small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a Christ-centered curriculum ensure every child receives individualized attention — with standardized test scores that routinely exceed national averages.

Best For: Families seeking a Christ-centered, academically strong Lutheran school from K2 through 8th grade in Simpsonville
Location: 401 Batesville Rd, Simpsonville, SC
Website: apacademysc.org

Charis Bilingual Academy is a Christ-centered, Montessori-style private school offering Mandarin/Spanish immersion education in Greenville. Through a STEAM-based curriculum, native-speaking teachers, and small class sizes, students develop into independent thinkers, confident communicators, and global citizens – rooted in biblical truth and equipped for a world that values both character and curiosity.

What makes Charis different? Mandarin/Spanish immersion, a STEAM-based curriculum, daily music education, and a biblical worldview – all in small classes where every student genuinely connects with native-speaking teachers across both languages.

What is the University Model? The University Model is a hybrid approach blending on-campus instruction with structured home-education days, giving families meaningful involvement in their child’s learning within the accountability and community of a traditional school.

Best For: Families seeking a Christ-centered, bilingual Mandarin/Spanish immersion education with a STEAM focus in Greenville
Location: 225 S Pleasantburg Dr, Suites E8, E9, and D9, Greenville, SC
Website: charisacademysc.com 

⭐2026 KABOOM Awards Winner for Top Private School in Greenville, SC
⭐2026 KABOOM Awards Winner for Top Preschool in Greenville, SC

First Presbyterian Academy At First Presbyterian Academy, students are known by name, challenged to grow, and called to something greater. From the earliest years through graduation, we provide a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education that develops the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.

In our Lower School, small class sizes, hands-on learning, intentional technology use, weekly chapel, daily Bible instruction, and enriching opportunities such as IGNITE and Related Arts foster curiosity, character, and a lifelong love of learning.

In our Upper School, students are prepared for college and beyond through rigorous academics, including Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, while faculty mentors invest deeply in their spiritual and personal growth through chapel, Discover Groups, Impact Service Days, and meaningful traditions like the Windy Gap Retreat.

Throughout every grade, our students are encouraged to think critically, lead courageously, serve faithfully, and discover God’s unique calling for their lives.

What makes FPA different from other Christian schools? FPA combines rigorous college-preparatory academics with deep spiritual investment. Faculty mentors know every student by name and walk alongside them through every stage of growth, from Lower School curiosity to Upper School leadership and service.

What college prep opportunities are available? Upper School students have access to Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, plus state championship athletics, student ambassador programs, and a strong college counseling pathway that has sent graduates to top universities nationwide.

First Presbyterian Academy has given me a high school experience like no other. Not only was I challenged through exceptional academic opportunities that helped me reach my dream school, Pepperdine University, but I also found mentors and friendships that will stay with me for the rest of my life. FPA provided a unique environment where my teachers invested in my spiritual growth, giving me the foundation to excel academically, compete on state championship volleyball teams, and serve as a student ambassador, all alongside my very best friends. I am incredibly grateful for the ways FPA has prepared me for what’s ahead.

— Claire Bostrom, Class of 2026 Valedictorian

Best For: Families seeking a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education where every student is known, challenged, and called to something greater
Location: Shannon Forest Campus: 829 Garlington Rd, Greenville, SC 29615 | Downtown Campus: 200 W. Washington St, Greenville, SC 29601
Website: firstpresacademy.com

Greenville Classical Academy is a K3-12 Christ-centered classical education that equips students to glorify God in thought, word, and deed through academics and biblical truth.
At GCA, you’re investing in your child’s future because you know education shapes more than a career; it shapes the whole person. You want your child to grow into someone who loves God, pursues wisdom, and is prepared to lead faithfully.

We’re here to partner with you in that calling. Our vision is to see biblically educated, academically prepared leaders in our homes, communities, and world.

What is Classical Christian Education? At GCA, education shapes more than a career; it shapes the whole person. Students grow into someone who loves God, pursues wisdom, and is prepared to lead faithfully, graduating as young men and women equipped to glorify God in their homes, communities, and the world.

What makes GCA’s approach distinct? The classical model moves students through three intentional stages: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric; building knowledge, critical thinking, and communication in sequence, all anchored in Scripture and biblical truth.

Best For: Families seeking a rigorous, Christ-centered classical education from preschool through 12th grade in Greenville

Visit our website to learn more about the admissions process and to see how GCA can partner with your family. Call 864.329.9884 or email admissions@greenvilleclassical.com for more
information.

For 50 years, Mitchell Road Christian Academy has upheld a tradition of academic excellence, character development, and spiritual formation for students in K3-8th grade. We provide a safe environment with caring, accessible, and experienced teachers who challenge and nurture students. MRCA offers half-day Early Education programs as well as half and full-day options for our Kindergarten classes. After-school care is available until 3 pm for K3 and K4 students and until 5:30 pm for Kindergarten-8^th grade

MRCA’s goal for our preschool students is to give them a love for learning and lay the groundwork for academic growth and character development through our biblical worldview instruction. Our teachers plan child-focused learning units to cultivate a child’s curiosity. We value the unique qualities each child brings to our school!

What makes MRCA different from other Christian schools? 50 years of academic excellence with caring, experienced teachers in a safe, Christ-centered community – offering everything from early education through 8th grade, plus STEAM, arts, athletics, and summer camps, all rooted in a biblical worldview.

What support is available for students who need extra help? The Eagles Support Program provides additional academic support within the school community, ensuring every student has the tools they need to thrive.

Mitchell Road is a solid Christian education, but it’s also a full education. It’s not a sheltered environment — it’s an environment that complements and supports the values you’re trying to promote at home, getting students ready to launch into the broader world. A solid foundation, year over year, generation over generation, of Christian values that you carry out into the world.

— Jim McClintock, Former Parent, Board Member & Current Grandparent

Best For: Families seeking a long-established, Christ-centered academy with strong academics and character development from K3 through 8th grade in Greenville
Location: 207 Mitchell Road, Greenville, SC
Website: mitchellroadchristian.org

Prince of Peace Catholic School has been forming saints and scholars through Catholic culture and academic excellence since 2002.

A two-time National Blue Ribbon School – placing among the top 7% of academically performing schools in the United States – POP is a warm, vibrant community where faith, knowledge, and values converge to create a bright future for every child.

What makes Prince of Peace different? POP is built on four pillars: Intentional Catholicism, Intellectual Rigor, Human Flourishing, and Authentic Community, blending classical humanities with innovative science in a deeply Catholic culture centered on Holy Mass and virtue formation.

Best For: Families seeking a rigorous, authentically Catholic K5- 8th grade education in a close-knit community in Taylors
Location: 1209 Brushy Creek Road, Taylors, SC
Website: popcatholicschool.org

At St. Joseph’s Catholic School, we’re more than just a private, co-ed day school – we’re a family, rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, dedicated to shaping students’ minds, hearts, and souls in the image of Christ.

An independent Catholic school approved by the Diocese of Charleston and listed in the Newman Guide, our vibrant community includes students from 37 zip codes, 24 cities, and six counties, all united by a commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.

What academic programs set St. Joseph’s Catholic School apart? St. Joseph’s offers the College Board’s AP Capstone Program, 22 Honors classes, and 10 Honor Societies — fostering cross-disciplinary learning, independent research, and evidence-based argumentation that prepare students for college and beyond.

What are the outcomes for graduates? 98% of St. Joseph’s graduates earn merit-based scholarships, a testament to the school’s commitment to academic excellence and whole-person formation.

Best For: Families seeking a rigorous, authentically Catholic co-ed education from K5 through 12th grade in Greenville
Location: Greenville, SC
Learn more at the St. Joseph’s Catholic School website.

Abundant Life Christian School is a Christ‑centered private school with small class sizes.
Ages: K4- 8th grade

Launching in Fall 2025 with K5-2nd grade, this private school is Greenville will offer a Christ-centered curriculum.

Prince of Peace Catholic School offers a nurturing environment, fostering faith and a love of learning, preparing minds for lifelong success. Voted Best of the Upstate.

Hampton Park Christian School in Greenville offers curriculum, education, and programming for K5 through 12th Grade.

Private Christian academy in Williamston, SC that offers education for 2K – 4th grade.

Private Christian school in Boiling Springs, SC that offers education for K – 8.

The primary mission of Saint Mary’s Catholic School is to invite our students to follow the Lord Jesus Christ as faithful disciples to prepare them for outstanding achievement in high school and later life. Our rigorous curriculum integrates academic excellence, athletic challenge, artistic expression, and character formation in the effort to serve the evangelical mission of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and School.

Selah Grey Academy offers faith-based education for students with learning differences, providing small classes, individualized instruction, academic support, and social development in a nurturing environment.

Eddlemon Adventist School is religiously affiliated with the Spartanburg Seventh-day Adventist Church and offers curriculum for K – 8th Graders. Their Child Development Center begins at 2 years old.

Religiously affiliated with Mountain View Baptist Church

Grades: 4K preschool – 12th

Oakbrook is a College Preparatory School with Christian education in Spartanburg.

• Lower School: K3 through 4th Grade
• Middle School: 5th – 8th Grade
• Upper School: 9th – 12th Grade

Spartanburg Christian Academy is religiously affiliated with First Baptist North Spartanburg and offers programming and curriculum for 3K through 12th Grade.

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School is religiously affiliated with St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. The school offers curriculum and programming to help develop the spiritual, academic, physical, and social growth of each child in 4K through 8th Grade.

Westgate Christian School in Spartanburg is religiously affiliated with Westgate Baptist Church and offers faith-based curriculum for 3K – 12th grade.

Our Weekday Early Education Program provides a Christian based education in a safe and loving environment.

Greenville Classical Academy models classical education in a Christian environment and strives for excellence in academics as well as in every other aspect of life. Offers K4 – 12th grade.

K4 & K-5 are morning schedule with extended care option.

Calvary Christian School in Greer offers faith-based curriculum for K2 – 12th Grade.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School in Greenville offers a classical program through the Catholic faith for children in Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

Southside Christian School (SCS) partners with Christian parents in providing an excellent education consistent with biblical truth. Elementary, Middle, and High School students are welcome!

 St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is a Catholic school with a diverse, multicultural setting
Ages: K-3 through 5th grade

Hidden Treasure is a private Christian school that offers academic support for school-age students with learning challenges, including reading support, math intervention, language development, and faith-based education
Ages for enrollment: 5+

Mauldin Christian Academy focuses on Christian education to help encourage spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social growth in students.

September-May School Year available for preschool, elementary, and afterschool.
Year round day care available for infant – K4.

Veritas is a Christian, Classical, and University Model School serving grades K-12 in Greenville.

Steadfast Hybrid Academy is a Christ-centered hybrid program created to walk alongside homeschool families. Combining on-campus instruction with at-home learning, Steadfast emphasizes strong academics, meaningful community, and a Biblical worldview.