Are you trying to find the best private school near Greenville, SC for your kids? Here’s our list of private schools. Plus, we’ve also included a helpful table of contents where you can switch our list to just include specific types of schools or locations like private schools in Spartanburg or private schools in Greenville.
Find the Right Private School in Upstate, SC
- Private Schools by County: Private Schools Near Greenville, Private Schools Near Spartanburg
- Private Schools By Grade: Private Elementary Schools Near Greenville, Private Middle Schools, and Private High Schools
- Private Schools By Type and Philosophy: Secular Private Schools, Christian Private Schools near Greenville, Montessori Schools, Private Schools for College Prep, and more!
- All Upstate, SC Area Private Schools: Just want to see all the private schools in the area without sorting? Scroll through a list of all the Greenville area’s local private schools and find the best one for your family!
- Private School Open Houses and Tours for 2023/2024.
Disclaimer: This list is intended for informational purposes and none of the contents should be considered a specific recommendation or endorsement from Kidding Around or its staff. All advertisements are marked “sponsored.”
Top Private Schools
Private Schools Near Greenville, SC By County
Looking for “private schools near me”? Use the buttons below to see private schools in Greenville County and private schools in Spartanburg County.
Private Schools by Upstate, SC County
Private Schools: Greenville, SC- by Grade Level
Looking specifically for a private middle school? Or maybe you need a private elementary school or high school for your kids. Use the buttons below to find private schools near you that offer the grade levels your kids need!
Private Elementary, Middle and High Schools in Upstate, SC
Private Schools: Greenvile, SC- by Type and Philosophy
Are you looking for a school with a specific type of curriculum or educational philosophy? Use the categories below to sort private school listings by type including Christian Schools, Montessori Schools, College Prep, and more!
Types of Private Schools Near Greenville and Spartanburg
Private Schools in Greenville, SC & Beyond Throughout the Upstate, SC
Scroll through this list of the Upstate’s private schools in Greenville and Spartanburg. If the list is too long, remember that you can use the above categories to sort by your needed school requirements.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY Downtown • Shannon Forest
TITLE SPONSOR 864.678.5107 Two Campuses, Greenville, SC
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Private Schools
First Presbyterian Academy (FPA) at Shannon Forest, K3 – 12th Grade, and First Presbyterian Academy Downtown, K2 – K6, both offer a unique, premiere college preparatory school experience rooted in a Christian worldview. Small, intimate classes are taught by exceptional faculty who embrace the idea that teaching is also discipleship.
Elementary School
- Emphasizes a partnership with parents
- Prepares students for the rigors of Middle School
- Provides a STEM Program, a Gifted and Talented Program, and Fine Arts Program
Middle School
- Provides a unique bridge from Elementary to High School
- Challenges students through Academics, Fine Arts and Athletics
- Holds to a college preparatory curriculum focus
High School
- Challenges students with high quality College Preparatory, Honors and AP classes
- Students enjoy an exceptional Athletic Program led by coaches rooted in truth and faith
- A Fine Arts Program features choral music, drama and visual arts programs
- Students are taught to think in the highest categories, work hard and discern in preparation for college, vocation and eternity
Learning Difference Program
- Administers a Peer Tutoring Program
- Provides online classes as needed
- Partners with classroom teachers in order to allow them to use their gifts and energies to teach
Find out more at First Presbyterian Academy!
Music Math Multilingual Christian Academy
SPONSORED 864.729.2873 Suite E-9, McAlister Square (University Center), 225 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC
Offers: K5-5th grade
Music Math Multilingual Christian Academy is the only K5 – 5th grade school in the Upstate that provides authentic Chinese and Spanish immersion with a Biblical worldview. Located at the McAlister Square University Center, MMM Academy’s vision is to educate students with diverse learning styles and exceptionalities through Montessori-Waldorf hands-on and creative learning.
At MMM Academy, language immersion is incorporated with STEM and music. We currently offer authentic Mandarin and/or Spanish immersion for both part-time and full-time students and are now enrolling students K5-5th grade for the 2023-2024 school year! We also offer after-school enrichment programs including robotics and music classes.
Our mission is to equip students to become competent global leaders who strive for academic excellence, moral character, community involvement, and love for Christ. For more information, visit our website at mmmchristianacademy.com or contact us at [email protected] with any questions or to schedule a private tour.
Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks
SPONSORED 864.729.8811 2255 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC
Primrose Schools is a family of accredited, high-quality early education and care schools for infants through Private kindergarten, After School Care, and Summer Camp (hours are 7:00 am – 6:00 pm)
The Balanced Learning® System has been developed by and taught exclusively at Primrose Schools. It is a research-based curriculum that blends teacher-guided and child-initiated activities with a special emphasis on character development.
What can you expect at Primrose’s private Kindergarten program?
Low student/teacher ratio: 1:14
Literacy Development: Primrose® has selected a reading series that supports the Balanced Learning® approach to language and literacy learning.
Healthy Balanced Menus: Healthy nutrition not only boosts energy but can elevate a child’s mood and thinking skills during a crucial development stage. Our onsite Chef follows a balanced menu plan that includes all of your child’s meals and snacks throughout the day.
Math Development: The Math Expressions Math Program in our Kindergarten program incorporates the best practices of both traditional and reform mathematics curricula.
Mucho Mundo® Spanish: This Spanish class takes place 5 days a week. Children are enthusiastic about learning theme-related Spanish vocabulary and conversational phrases that correspond to the Primrose weekly Unit of Learning themes.
Thumbs Up! – Physical Health & Development and Outdoor Play: Children have two 30 minutes slots in the daily schedule which they get to go outside. During this time our teachers conduct indoor and outdoor activities and play experiences that help children practice and gain an increased awareness of their physical abilities. In addition to organized activities, our playgrounds provide opportunities for physical challenge and to safely take risks.
Happy Hearts Character Development: This program focuses on the development of good character traits and helps children begin to internalize what it takes to be a good person.
Rhythm & Notes® with Music from The Music Class: Children have a set time for music in their daily schedule, so this takes places five times a week.
Technology in the Classroom: The Computer Center provides opportunities for children to develop confidence in their ability to use a computer, problem solve, and develop literacy skills and concepts.
Parent partnerships: At Primrose, we believe our partnerships with each parent is vital. You will also receive digital “daily reports” of exactly what your child learned that day, pictures throughout the day, what they ate that day, etc.
Find out more at www.primrosesimpsonville.com, call 864.729.8811, or email [email protected].
Primrose of Five Forks in Simpsonville. Our daughter goes there and we all love it. The staff and owners are so friendly and treat each of us like family. The teachers are all certified teachers and they keep the class sizes small. They have an in house chef that cooks every meal/snack the children have and it is all very healthy (I'm a stickler on food). They will even cater to any food allergies/aversions your child may have. They go from birth to Pre-K and just opened a private Kindergarten, last year. I could go on. It's a great school.
Founded in 1927, Bob Jones Academy is well known for its excellent education serving students preschool through grade 12. Our school includes a strong learning environment under a nurturing faculty who teach from a biblical worldview while demonstrating Christ-like character. Our mission is to assist like-minded Christian parents in challenging students to love Jesus Christ, to embrace God’s truth, to exercise integrity, to pursue excellence and to serve others.
We challenge our students to succeed by providing high quality academics and encouraging personal excellence. It is our goal to develop fully prepared and mature college-bound graduates who love God with all their heart. Our school is accredited through both Cognia and the American Association of Christian Schools.
In BJA’s college preparatory high school program, classes are 50 minutes long and meet five days a week. Twenty-four credits are required for graduation. In addition to a full slate of rigorous college prep courses, BJA offers an honors track—both math and science—and general courses in the core areas. BJA has a robust dual-credit program through its affiliated nationally accredited college, Bob Jones University.
Contact Bob Jones Academy at [email protected] or 864.770.1395 for more information.
Offers: Pre-K – High School
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 1,150 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 will educate the whole child – intellectually, spiritually, morally, and physically – then you will want to consider becoming a part of the CCES family.
Find out more at CCES!
The close relationships formed between students, teachers and administrators is very apparent at CCES. The teachers demonstrate such concern and love for my child and make her feel welcome and cherished. From book buddies to science exploration with Upper School biology classes, to Skyping with students in Brazil, to enrichment and discovery opportunities to expand her appreciation for music and inquiry, my child has been given opportunities not seen in many other schools.
Offers: Toddler (half day) – Middle School
Five Oaks Academy is accredited by the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) and is the only Montessori school in the area that offers a cohesive program from toddler through eighth grade. With over 36 countries represented, the global community within Five Oaks Academy (FOA) and its unique research-based approach to education give students an educational experience you won’t find anywhere else.
FOA is a welcoming environment that focuses on creating original thinkers and encourages students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Understanding that each child has his own learning style and interests, students at FOA are treated as individuals. A low student:teacher ratio allows each child to receive a customized education. Students explore the realm of mathematics, literature, history, science, geography and the arts in a creative and research-based manner.
Along with a challenging academic curriculum, the program fosters the development of time management skills and helps students learn to prioritize their responsibilities. Additionally, students are led in discovering and developing their own unique talents and strengths. Most importantly, FOA strives to foster student’s curiosity and love of learning so they become lifelong learners. Our goal is for our students to have success not only in the classroom but in the real world as well.
Find out more at Five Oaks Academy!
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private Schools
Southside Christian School (SCS) partners with Christian parents in providing an excellent education consistent with biblical truth. We encourage students to discover, grow, and achieve all God has for them.
Elementary, Middle, and High School students are encouraged to excel in every area of their education. At SCS, we believe learning should be challenging and fun.
SCS also offers Student Success Services to meet each child where they are in the learning process.
Students have multiple opportunities outside of the classroom through service, clubs, athletics and fine arts.
Students participate in chapel, Spiritual Life Conferences, and small groups led by faculty and staff.
The community of students, families, faculty, and staff truly make a difference at Southside Christian School. The SCS community is like a family, which encourages a fun and loving learning environment.
We would love for you to experience our school through a private tour or an open house. Visit southsidechristian.org to complete your inquiry or RSVP for an open house. We hope to see you soon!
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private School
Offers: K2-K4, elementary K5- 7th Grade
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 test scores. Aftercare is also available each weekday.
Now enrolling middle school grades 6 & 7! Schedule a tour to see our clean, bright, spacious campus by visiting Abiding Peace Academy.
I love APA. Love the staff, the community feel, the playground time with other kids and moms, plays and performances, multiple opportunities for my kids to get outside and exercise, the open communication between parents and teachers, the field trips, small school size, a focus on Christ.
Safe, warm, and friendly atmosphere. The level of education and care shown by the teachers in outstanding. Our child is thriving at APA and is excited to be there every day. We are so impressed with the school.
Offers: K3 – Middle School
For over 45 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 throughout their time at MRCA.
Our students master content and develop the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. We are passionate about biblically integrating our curriculum and aim to glorify Christ in all our endeavors as we equip our students to become ambassadors for Christ.
Click here to learn how Mitchell Road Christian Academy can partner with your family. For info. on our admissions process, visit our Admissions page. For any other questions, please call 864-268-2210 or email admissions@
St. Joseph’s Catholic School is a private, Roman Catholic co-educational day school located in South Carolina.
The school aims to provide academic excellence and form students’ minds, hearts, and souls in the likeness of Christ. The school serves a diverse community of students from 37 zip codes, 24 cities, and six counties.
The school offers a wide range of educational opportunities, including 13 Advanced Placement courses, 22 Honors courses, and 10 Honor Societies. The school is an independent Catholic school, recognized and approved by the Diocese of Charleston. SJCS has received various accolades, including being named a Catholic Education Honor Roll School of Excellence by the Cardinal Newman Society, and being ranked the #1 Catholic School in South Carolina by Niche.com.
The school also offers generous financial aid, with more than $1.7 million given in aid through its Flexible Tuition program. Additionally, SJCS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including 53 sports teams and 64 fine arts opportunities. 98% of graduates earn at least one merit-based scholarship.
Visit www.sjcatholicschool.org for more information.
Westgate Christian School in Spartanburg is religiously affiliated with Westgate Baptist Church and offers faith-based curriculum for 3K – 12th grade.
Upstate Montessori Academy
864.551.1152 109 North Leach Street, Greenville, SC
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private Schools
Upstate Montessori Academy offers a Montessori education for students in 2K through 3rd grade. 2K and 3K have half-day or full-day programs, and 4K through 3rd grade has a full-day program.
"The environment that Mrs Kelly has set up to foster learning and creativity while celebrating individuality is wonderful. It was such a great first learning experience for both my son and us as parents." - Cleary
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
My children have thrived at Oakbrook. They have loving teachers, small classes, and an advanced curriculum. The teachers and staff know our family and make us feel like it is our second home. Oakbrook continues to exceed my expectations.
Primrose School of Midtown Greenville
864.232.6101 19 Villa Road, Greenville, SC
Primrose School of Midtown Greenville offers balanced learning and curriculum for infants through Kindergarten.
The Goddard School
864.448.0004 533 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC
The Goddard School in Simpsonville offers a NAEYC Accredited program, flexible scheduling, individualized curriculum and assessments, and enrichment programs for Infants through Kindergartners.
An educational academy offered through Project HOPE Foundation, the school offers education for children on the autism spectrum, preschool through high school. ABA therapy services are provided, with classes Monday through Friday.
Hope Academy at Project HOPE Foundation, Inc. is amazing. Patient and kind teachers who are interested in helping children learn on their level. I’m so thankful I found this school for my boys.
Spartanburg Day School
864.582.7539 1701 Skylyn Drive, Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg Day School is a nationally-accredited independent school, offering curriculum and programming for 3K through 12th grade.
Montessori Academy of Spartanburg provides a developmentally appropriate environment for students ranging from 8 weeks through the 8th grade.
Greenville Classical Academy
864.329.9884 2519 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private Schools
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.
Mauldin Christian Academy
864.288.1917 150 South Main Street, Mauldin, SC
Mauldin Christian Academy focuses on Christian education to help encourage spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social growth in students.
September-May School Year:
- Preschool: 3 – 4 year olds, 8:15 am – 12:00 pm Monday-Friday
- Elementary: K5 – 5th Grade, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm Monday-Friday
- After School Care: K5 – 5th Grade, 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm Monday-Friday
Year-round:
- Daycare: 6 Weeks – K4, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Monday-Friday
It was a good experience for us too.
We really love Mauldin Christian Academy! Very caring teachers and administration that provide a loving environment! Small class sizes are a plus and my son learns so much with the Abeka curriculum.
Prince of Peace Catholic School
864.331.2145 1209 Brushy Creek Road, Taylors, SC
Prince of Peace Catholic School in Taylors is the primary apostolate of Prince of Peace Parish to offer a curriculum based on the teaching of the Catholic faith. Programs and curriculum are available for K4 – 8th Grades, and K4 has the option of a half-day or full-day.
Veritas is a Christian, Classical, and University Model School serving grades K-12 in Greenville.
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School
864.277.5350 2 James Drive, Greenville, SC
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School in Greenville offers a classical program through the Catholic faith for children in Kindergarten through 12th Grade.
Primrose School of Greenville
864.370.8118 404 Houston Street, Greenville, SC
Primrose School of Greenville offers balanced learning and curriculum for infants through Kindergarten.
Carolina Preparatory School
864.385.6020 212 Roper Mountain Road Extension, Greenville, SC
Carolina Preparatory School in Greenville offers small class sizes, creative teaching, and a nurturing environment for 6 weeks old through 5th grade. There are Full Day, Full Week options and Full Day, Partial Week options for attendance.
Carolina international preparatory school, they go from babies to grade 5. Small ratio teacher/student. Learning is fun and teachers are really engage!
Carolina International Preparatory School. The amazing teachers are great at making learning fun. They are also great at being patient and teaching morals and manners.
South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind
864.585.7711 355 Cedar Springs Road, Spartanburg, SC
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, located in Spartanburg, offers a specialized school for children from preschool through grade 12. The school provides vision and hearing services in communities and schools throughout South Carolina.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
864.582.6645 152 Alabama Street, Spartanburg, SC
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.
Montessori School of Mauldin
864.288.8613 205b East Butler Road, Mauldin, SC
Offers: Infant to 6th grade
“Montessori School of Mauldin-Amazing teachers and diverse environment. My daughter has thrived here.”
Religiously affiliated with Mountain View Baptist Church
Grades: 4K preschool – 12th
Eddlemon Adventist School is religiously affiliated with the Spartanburg Seventh-day Adventist Church and offers curriculum for Kindergarteners – 8th Graders. Their Child Development Center begins at 2 years old.
Einstein Academy is a non-profit private school for 1st-8th graders who have been diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, Autism and/or similar challenges.
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.
Hampton Park Christian School
864.370.3100 875 State Park Road, Greenville, SC
Hampton Park Christian School in Greenville offers curriculum, education, and programming for K5 through 12th Grade.
Spartanburg Christian Academy is religiously affiliated with First Baptist North Spartanburg and offers programming and curriculum for 3K through 12th Grade.
St. Mary's Catholic School
864.271.3870 101 Hampton Avenue, Greenville, SC
St. Mary’s Catholic School in Greenville offers academics and programming for children in 3K through 8th grade.
Calvary Christian School in Greer offers faith-based curriculum for K2 – 12th Grade.
More Upstate School Information: Beyond Private Schools
- Here’s our Ultimate Guide to Charter Schools in the Upstate.
- If you are looking for kindergartens or preschools, we recommend our Preschool Guide to Greenville with over 65 preschools recommended by our readers.
- For more information on homeschooling in Greenville see our Homeschool Guide to Greenville.
- For information on Greenville County Public Schools see our Greenville County Public School Guide.
- For information on Spartanburg County Public Schools see our Spartanburg County Public School District Guide.
Monarch Elementary on Five Forks Rd. is missing from your list and map.
Thank you. We are updating this article soon and will add it in.
Do you know where I can find the school ratings to compare them?
You can look at Great Schools: http://www.greatschools.org/south-carolina/greenville/. The ratings of course are just one assessment and might not reflect fully what’s going on at the school.
You should definitely add Mitchell Road Christian Academy to the list! Best kept secret in Greenville! The teachers and staff really love and care for their students, and the kids are very prepared academically by the time they graduate!
Mitchell Road Christian Academy should be on this list. They have K3-8th grade and it’s just a wonderful community. I’m so impressed with my children’s Bible knowledge. It just blows me away. Small class sizes, great teachers and forever friendships.
Mitchell Road Christian Academy!!! The teachers love what they do and have a great balance of experience and fresh ideas. The academics are strong, as is the attention to their spiritual growth. There are lots of opportunities for athletics and the arts. And the price tag is significantly less than most small, private schools.
Mitchell Road Christian Academy definitely deserves a spot! For over 40 years, MRCA has been one of Greenville’s finest private schools. My daughter and other students are so well-prepared spiritually, academically, and socially. This school has top notch faculty and staff. They take such a genuine interest in each child. We are blessed to be a part of Mitchell Road Christian Academy!
Another vote for Legacy Charter School! Our son is currently enrolled in their K5 program, and it’s been a wonderful experience! The academics are top-notch; the teachers are qualified, professional, communicative, and passionate; and physical activity is incorporated throughout the day to keep the kids active and engaged. They also offer an after-school program that is purposeful, providing help with homework and structured activity. One note worth mentioning is that, since the school doesn’t run on the same schedule as Greenville County, it’s sometimes challenging to find alternative childcare during school breaks and holidays.
Fork Shoals School should definitely be on your list. Amazing faculty with IB curriculum. K5 through 5th grade.
Mitchell Road Christian Academy is an Amazing private school! I highly recommend it. The teachers and staff are excellent and invest so much into the lives of the students.
Greenville Classical Academy needs to be added to your list. Established in 2004, Greenville Classical Academy provides a classical Christian education to over 200 students in K4-12th grade. K4 is 2-day or 3-day from 8:30 – noon with optional Late Stay until 3:00 p.m. K4 is 5-day from 8:30 – noon with Optional Late Stay with optional Late Stay until 3:00 p.m. Located in Five Forks at 2519 Woodruff Road, Simpsonvile. The website is http://www.GreenvilleClassical.com. Phone: 864-329-9884.
Greenville Classical Academy is wonderful!!! This is our 6th year having our girls at GCA, and we are more and more pleased with the education they are receiving AND the nurturing environment provided by the teachers, faculty, and other parents.
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School is a small family centered school currently offering grades pre-k through 8th with plans to add an upper school (starting with 9th-10th) in the Fall of 2019. OLR offers a great Catholic education and programs for a wide variety of learners.
Thank you for putting this list together. Very helpful for families like ours that are new to the area.
I am a mom of 2 at Greenville Classical Academy and work there part time too. I’d love to provide more information and photos for this list. We are in the initial phases of expansion and this would be a wonderful time to consider being a part of our community. Please let me know if I can help in updating our info.
Yes – please email [email protected]. Thanks!
Thank you!! I did so and will hope to hear back! Thank you for this awesome resource!!
Hi! Considering moving to the area. Are there any 4 day/week schools for elementary grades?
As-Sabeel Academy of Greenville is missing from the list. https://www.sabeelacademy.com/