For the 2025 school year, there are 12 private schools serving 2,252 students in Dorchester County, SC (there are 35 public schools, serving 30,418 public students). 7% of all K-12 students in Dorchester County, SC are educated in private schools (compared to the SC state average of 8%).
The top ranked private schools in Dorchester County, SC include Pinewood Preparatory School, Dorchester Academy, and Faith Christian School & Daycare.
The average acceptance rate is 88%, which is lower than the South Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 89%.
67% of private schools in Dorchester County, SC are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Assembly of God).
Top Ranked Dorchester County Private Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Dorchester Academy
(Christian)
234 Academy Rd
Saint George, SC 29477
(843) 563-9511
Saint George, SC 29477
(843) 563-9511
Grades: PK-12
| 374 students
Faith Christian School & Daycare
(Assembly of God)
337 Farmington Rd
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-8464
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-8464
Grades: PK-12
| 311 students
1114 Orangeburg Road
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-1643
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-1643
Grades: PK-12
| 661 students
Summerville Catholic School![Summerville Catholic School Photo Summerville Catholic School Photo]()

(Catholic)
226 Black Oak Blvd
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 873-9310
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 873-9310
Grades: PK-8
| 264 students
Bethany Child Development Center
Daycare / Preschool (Methodist)
118 W 3rd South St
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 821-1946
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 821-1946
Grades: PK-K
| 159 students
Charis Academy
Special Education School
255 Stallsville Loop
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 934-7520
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 934-7520
Grades: 4-8
| 5 students
New Alpha Christian School
(Christian)
100 Waring St
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 225-0203
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 225-0203
Grades: PK-7
| 47 students
North Charleston KinderCare
Daycare / Preschool
8730 Dorchester Rd
North Charleston, SC 29420
(843) 552-0123
North Charleston, SC 29420
(843) 552-0123
Grades: NS-PK
| n/a students
Oakbrook Child Development Center
Daycare / Preschool
901 Travelers Blvd
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 871-3053
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 871-3053
Grades: NS-PK
| 151 students
2168 Ridge Church Rd
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-9856
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-9856
Grades: PK-12
| 156 students
St. Lukes Children's Center
Daycare / Preschool (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
206 Central Avenue
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 871-6666
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 871-6666
Grades: PK-K
| 124 students
111 Waring Street
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 885-1081
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 885-1081
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Dorchester County Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
505 Gahagan Rd
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 875-7667
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 875-7667
Grades: PK-8
| 175 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Dorchester County, SC?
The top ranked private schools in Dorchester County, SC include Pinewood Preparatory School, Dorchester Academy, and Faith Christian School & Daycare.
How many private schools are located in Dorchester County?
12 private schools are located in Dorchester County.
How diverse are private schools in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County private schools are approximately 24% minority students, which is higher than the South Carolina private school average of 18%.
What percentage of students in Dorchester County go to private school?
7% of all K-12 students in Dorchester County are educated in private schools (compared to the SC state average of 8%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Dorchester County?
67% of private schools in Dorchester County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Assembly of God).
Which private schools in Dorchester County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Dorchester County include: St. Lukes Children's Center vs. Pinewood Preparatory School
Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.