Private Schools in Greenville County

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

Learning is a Brave, Joyful Journey.

At our studio at Acton Academy, children are empowered to lead their own learning experiences. Guided by mentors (not traditional teachers), they explore their interests, tackle real-world challenges, and develop essential life skills. Building confidence, collaboration, and resilience along the way.

Why does this approach work? Hands-on, engaging projects help children cultivate critical thinking, self-direction, and creativity- skills vital for today’s world and future success. Acton prioritizes a growth mindset, preparing students not only for academic challenges but for life with purpose.

Best For: Families seeking a self-directed, project-based alternative education model for ages 5–15 in Greenville
Location: Mauldin, SC
Website: actongreenville.com

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 K5 classes. After-school care is available until 3 pm for K3 and K4 students and until 5:30 pm for K5-8^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.

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

Offers: K4-8th grade

Mandarin/Spanish Language Immersion: Music Math Multilingual Academy (MMM Academy) is the only school in the Upstate that provides authentic Mandarin Chinese/ Spanish and English with a Christian worldview for K4 through middle school. We offer flexible schedules and small class sizes for full-time and part-time students, with robust STEM and ABRSM music components. MMM Academy’s vision is to educate students through Montessori-style hands-on and creative learning. We provide an overarching research-based high-effect multisensory-cognitive approach for mainstream students and students with dyslexia and exceptional students, adapting the Orton-Gillingham-based method for success in ELA, Math, Science, and biliteracy results.

University-Model School: Our University-Model school partners with parents to provide a high-quality, college-preparatory education from kindergarten to high school. Students split their time between in-school study and a satellite classroom, which can be their home, where parents co-teach their children. Our professional educators support parents with a rigorous curriculum design, instructional strategies and assessment throughout the year. Parents remain highly involved in the lives of the students. For more information about the University-Model, visit NAUMS.org.

STEM Focus for our K4 – G8 classes: MMM Academy offers a robust STEM component with high-level math made-easy, fun LEGO robotics, and STEM projects such as space station, solar panel cars and fans and other building models in the Makerspace. For our middle school and high school students, we emphasize Science, Engineering, Computer science, and Mathematics to ensure your student is college- and career-ready. Projects such as Laser engraving and 3-D printing, and computerized programing are part of the curriculum.

MUSIC SCHOOL: MMM Academy offers high level classical music training from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Curriculum and where students learn to play the piano, violin and cello during school time from the age of 4 – 6, and in music movements and enjoyment of percussion, and professional choir practices.

Located at the McAlister Square University Center, MMM Academy is a fully accredited, full-time private school, and a University-model school as a transitioning member, 501(c)3 nonprofit, private Christian school.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open. For more info and to schedule a visit, please email info@mmmchristianacademy.com.

 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 

Five Oaks Academy is accredited by the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) and is the only Montessori school in the area offering a cohesive program from toddler through eighth grade. With over 36 countries represented, FOA’s global community and research-based approach give students an educational experience you won’t find anywhere else.

A low student-teacher ratio ensures each child receives a customized education, with students treated as individuals who develop problem-solving skills, time management, and a genuine love of learning.

Question Parents Ask About Five Oaks Academy:

What subjects do students explore? Mathematics, literature, history, science, geography, and the arts — all in a creative, research-based manner alongside Spanish, Music, Art, and Garden and Wellness.

Best For: Families seeking an authentic, internationally diverse Montessori education from toddler through middle school in Simpsonville
Location: 1101 Jonesville Road, Simpsonville, SC
Website: fiveoaksacademy.com

East Link Academy, opened in 2018 in Greenville, SC, is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in kindergarten to grade 8. Academically, East Link outperforms district and state averages, earning “excellent” state report‑card ratings and top‑ranking distinctions on platforms like Niche (#4 charter elementary, #5 charter middle in SC)

Its mission is “to prepare students to be language and cultural links between the West and East,” achieved through rigorous academics aligned with state standards in math, science, social studies, language arts, and through cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year. With smaller class sizes and a low student‑teacher ratio, ELA emphasizes hands-on learning in math, science, social studies, and language arts—split evenly between English and Mandarin in grades K–5 with continued rigorous academics and Chinese language development in middle school.

East Link Academy is a high-performing, culturally rich immersion school ideal for families seeking strong academic outcomes and Mandarin proficiency. Located at 78 Global Drive, ELA is currently enrolling and uses a lottery when demand exceeds capacity. Visit our website for more information: www.eastlinkacademy.org.

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.

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

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.

Does your child speak French? They will.

The French School is Greenville’s only immersive French-American bilingual school, welcoming students from K4 through 5th grade, no prior French required. Each day, students learn in both English and French, taught by native-speaking teachers who follow the American and French national curricula. This is not simply a language class; it is a full academic education delivered in two languages from the very beginning.

The French School offers something rare in the heart of South Carolina: a truly bilingual education that broadens horizons, deepens curiosity, and gives children a remarkable foundation for life.

How is student progress measured? Twice a year using the NWEA MAP Growth assessment in Math, Science, Language Arts, and Reading, plus separate French proficiency assessments by French teachers using French national references, giving families a complete, dual picture of their child’s growth in both languages.

Best For: Families seeking an immersive bilingual French-American education for K4 through 5th grade in Greenville
Location: 4351 E North St, Greenville, SC
Website: the-french-school.com

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

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

Founded by Mallika Vejay in 1977 as a way to support working families with a quality educational program. With over 45 years of continued service, the Montessori School of Mauldin is the longest-running Montessori School in the Upstate. Montessori teachers are trained through the Association Montessori International, the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori.

 Top Questions Parents Ask About Montessori School of Mauldin:

What makes this school’s Montessori approach authentic? AMI-certified, with founder Mallika Vejay trained by trainers directly certified by Maria and Mario Montessori themselves, one of the most direct Montessori lineages in the Upstate.

Best For: Families seeking an authentic AMI Montessori education from infancy through middle elementary in Mauldin
Location: 205B East Butler Road, Mauldin, SC 29662
Website: mauldinmontessori.com

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.

BEST Skills Academy is an affordable private middle school with a formal mentoring approach to education.

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

Upstate Montessori Academy offers a Montessori education for students in 3K through 4th grade. 3K has a half-day or full-day programs, and 4K through 4th grade has a full-day program.

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

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

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

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

Camperdown Academy is a special education school located in Greenville that offers education and support for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences in grades 1-8.

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.

Offers: K4-8th grade.

Curriculum: A Chinese/Mandarin language immersion curriculum along with standard education courses.

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

Offers: Montessori education for ages 3 – 6.

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.

Offers: Muslim culture and Arabic language immersion school. Preschool through 8th grade accepted.

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.

Offers year-round academic and therapeutic services to neurodivergent middle school students in Upstate, South Carolina.
Students will participate in activities in an outdoor farm setting.
Enrollment ages: 5th – 9th grade (plan for high school services in the coming years).

Carolina Preparatory School in Greenville offers small class sizes, creative teaching, and a nurturing environment for 6 weeks old through 5th 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!

The Meyer Center offers an early education program for preschool children with developmental delays and disabilities.

The program includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and music therapy, as well as academic and developmental programming.
Admission requires evaluation by an admission team to determine if the child qualifies for these services

For the 2026/2027 school year going forward
The Meyer Center will offer a 4K Inclusion Program, which “offers something far richer: a carefully designed learning environment where typically developing children build school readiness skills alongside children who have disabilities — and the research is clear that both groups thrive.”- The Meyer Center

Offers: Montessori inspired teaching and child development, full day. Ages 3 through Kindergarten are welcome.

Preschool’s “mini” programs are available for ages 3 -5

WonderHere Anderson provides play-based, project-based learning where children explore, create, and grow through hands-on experiences, individualized learning, and a joyful, childhood-centered environment.

The Haynsworth School in Greenville offers a nurturing and stimulating educational environment for K-2 through 3rd grade.

The Chandler School in Greenville SC, focuses on students with language-based learning difficulties
Small class sizes, individualized instruction, core academics, character development, and enrichment subjects
Ages for enrollment: 4–14

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.

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.

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

Einstein Academy is a non-profit private school for 1st-8th graders who have been diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, Autism and/or similar challenges.