#1 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
Cardinal Newman School
Diocesan school · Grades 7–12
One of the 3 largest Catholic schools in South Carolina
Columbia, SC
A+Overall grade562 students11 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
Private schools in Richland County, SC with the highest overall grades. Top 10 of 10 schools.
#2 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
The School of Norah Ark
Disciples of Christ school · Grades Pre-K–12
Smaller classes than 96% of Christian schools in South Carolina
Columbia, SC
A+Overall grade141 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
Hammond School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest of 33 independent schools in South Carolina
Columbia, SC
A+Overall grade944 students9 students per teacher
#4 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
St. Joseph School
Parish school · Grades Pre-K–6
Smaller classes than 68% of Catholic schools in South Carolina
Columbia, SC
AOverall grade213 students8 students per teacher
#5 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
St. Peters Catholic School
Parish school · Grades Pre-K–6
Serving families in Columbia since at least 2011
Columbia, SC
AOverall grade94 students9 students per teacher
#6 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
Mission Hope Foundation
Islamic school · Grades Pre-K–10
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Columbia, SC
A-Overall grade66 students7 students per teacher
#7 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
Montessori School of Columbia
Montessori school · Grades Pre-K–6
One of the 3 largest Montessori schools in South Carolina
Columbia, SC
A-Overall grade89 students7 students per teacher
#8 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
Center for Learning
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
Growing: enrollment up 67% since 2011–12
Columbia, SC
B+Overall grade72 students7 students per teacher
#9 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
Ben Lippen School
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest Christian school in Columbia
Columbia, SC
BOverall grade1,105 students14 students per teacher
#10 Best Private Schools in Richland County, SC
St. John Newmann Catholic School
Parish school · Grades Pre-K–6
One of 5 Catholic schools in Columbia
Columbia, SC
BOverall grade255 students12 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.