For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,337 students in Pawleys Island, SC (there are 4 private schools, serving 418 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Pawleys Island, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Pawleys Island, SC are Waccamaw Elementary School, Waccamaw High School and Waccamaw Intermediate. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pawleys Island, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Pawleys Island have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Pawleys Island, SC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waccamaw Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1364 Waverly Road
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-4233
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-4233
Gr: PK-3 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Waccamaw High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2412 Kings River Road
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-9899
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-9899
Gr: 9-12 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #33.
Waccamaw Intermediate
(Math: 62% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
320 Wildcat Way
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-7071
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-7071
Gr: 4-6 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Waccamaw Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
247 Wildcat Way
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-0106
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-0106
Gr: 7-8 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #55.
Coastal Montessori Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
111 Old Plantation Drive
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 235-0413
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 235-0413
Gr: 1-8 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Pawleys Island, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Pawleys Island, SC include Waccamaw Elementary School, Waccamaw High School and Waccamaw Intermediate.
How many public schools are located in Pawleys Island?
5 public schools are located in Pawleys Island.
What percentage of students in Pawleys Island go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Pawleys Island are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Pawleys Island are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Pawleys Island include: Coastal Montessori Charter vs. Waccamaw Elementary School, Waccamaw Elementary School vs. Coastal Montessori Charter, Waccamaw Intermediate vs. Coastal Montessori Charter
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