South Carolina’s best high school, according to a recent U.S. News and World Report ranking, is in Aiken County Public Schools.
Aiken Scholars Academy, which took home the top spot in South Carolina and the Augusta-Aiken Metro Area for the second consecutive year, earned a 99.92 score based on Advanced Placement course offerings, Advanced Placement course exam scores, graduation rates as well as subject proficiency scores.
ASA was also named #14 high school nationally based off the scorecard criteria. Aiken Scholars Academy opened its doors on the University of South Carolina – Aiken Campus in 2018 and graduated its first class in 2022.
“Being named South Carolina’s top high school once is remarkable. Earning that distinction for a second consecutive year shows this is more than a moment.” Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy shared. “It reflects a culture built on intellectual curiosity, uncommon determination, and educators who know how to challenge and support exceptionally driven students. We are tremendously proud of the Aiken Scholars Academy students, faculty, and families, as well as our partnership with USCA, for continuing to show what is possible when a community pursues excellence together.”
Aiken Scholars Academy has a history of high academic success including being named a South Carolina Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence and an AP Honors Platinum School.
“Martha Messick leads with vision and an unwavering belief in every student’s potential. Together, her dedicated teachers share a common goal: to challenge, encourage, and empower students to discover their true academic potential.” Dr. Amy Edwards, Chief Instructional Officer said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the Aiken Scholars Academy family—students, teachers, and Ms. Messick— their academic excellence has resulted in being named South Carolina’s No. 1 high school for two consecutive years. This is an incredible accomplishment!”
“Year after year, I continue to be amazed by the accomplishments of ASA,” Principal Martha Messick added. “I am extremely proud of our students and their academic accomplishments that earned us top rankings again this year! Thank you to our students, parents, and teachers for your continuous focus, dedication, and hard work; as, that is what leads us to perform at such high levels!”