Aiken, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Aiken Scholars Academy has achieved a significant milestone by ranking 10th in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report’s high school rankings. This impressive recognition highlights the academy’s commitment to academic excellence, particularly for gifted and talented students. With all students passing at least one Advanced Placement exam, Aiken Scholars Academy has made a remarkable leap from 28th position last year. The school, located on the USC Aiken campus, serves around 180 students and focuses on providing accelerated learning programs.
Aiken, South Carolina – Aiken Scholars Academy has achieved a remarkable milestone by ranking 10th in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s annual high school rankings. This prestigious recognition highlights the academy’s exceptional academic performance, particularly in serving gifted and talented students.
The academy currently supports approximately 180 students and is notable for having all its students pass at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, earning a tie for first place in the “college readiness” category. Additionally, Aiken Scholars Academy also ranks first for the performance of historically underserved students on state assessments.
This year’s ranking marks a significant leap from last year, where the academy was positioned 28th nationally. The ascent of Aiken Scholars Academy showcases its commitment to academic excellence and student preparedness for higher education.
In comparison to other South Carolina institutions, Academic Magnet High School in Charleston County secured the 14th spot nationally, dropping from its previous standing of 7th last year. Charleston School of the Arts followed closely as the third-highest ranking school in the state, landing at 183rd nationally.
U.S. News and World Report evaluated a total of 24,140 public high schools to determine the rankings, ultimately recognizing the top 17,901 schools. The evaluation criteria included AP exam scores, the number of students taking AP exams, graduation rates, and proficiency scores on state assessments.
It is important to note that while these rankings provide valuable insights, they have been met with some criticism. Critics argue that the ranking system may place excessive emphasis on test scores and graduation rates, which can disadvantage schools without specialized programs, such as magnet schools.
In South Carolina, a total of 250 high schools were reviewed, with 24 schools achieving placement in the top 10 percent nationally. Other respected high schools included Bluffton High, Wando High, and several institutions from the Greenville area.
Aiken Scholars Academy, which began operations in 2018, is situated on the USC Aiken campus and offers accelerated learning programs tailored for academically gifted students. The school recently celebrated its graduation ceremony on May 28, 2025, where valedictorian Sara Porcha-Konjikusic and class president Joab Brown addressed their classmates.
Corey Murphy, the superintendent of the Aiken Public School District, praised the school’s rigorous academic environment, noting how its recent ranking may attract increased interest in its innovative educational programs.
With its impressive achievements, Aiken Scholars Academy is poised to continue fostering academic excellence while providing its students with the skills needed to excel in their future endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aiken Scholars Academy?
Aiken Scholars Academy is a high school in South Carolina that serves approximately 180 gifted and talented students, offering accelerated learning programs on the USC Aiken campus.
What rank did Aiken Scholars Academy achieve in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings?
The academy was ranked 10th nationally in the most recent rankings, a significant improvement from its previous position of 28th.
How does the ranking system work?
The rankings are based on various criteria, including AP exam scores, the number of students taking AP exams, graduation rates, and proficiency scores on state assessments.
What are some other top-ranked high schools in South Carolina?
Alongside Aiken Scholars Academy, Academic Magnet High School was ranked 14th nationally, and Charleston School of the Arts was ranked 183rd.
What criticism has the ranking system received?
Critics argue that the rankings may put too much emphasis on test scores and graduation rates, potentially skewing results in favor of schools with specialized programs.
| School | National Rank | State Ranking | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken Scholars Academy | 10th | 1st | All students pass at least one AP exam & strong performance for underserved students. |
| Academic Magnet High School | 14th | 2nd | Magnet program with high AP exam participation. |
| Charleston School of the Arts | 183rd | 3rd | Focus on arts education alongside academic performance. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken Scholars Academy Achieves Top 10 National Ranking
SRNS Awards $45,000 in College Scholarships to Employees’ Children
Aiken County Public Schools Celebrate Graduation Ceremonies
Aiken High School Dedicates Auditorium in Honor of Diana Floyd
Aiken High School Appoints New Football Coach
SRP Federal Credit Union Donates Over $290,000 to Aiken Schools
Aiken County Schools Receive Over $290,000 Donation
SRP Federal Credit Union Donates to Aiken County Schools
Aiken Electric Cooperative Selects Students for Leadership Programs
Students Win Scholarships for Nuclear Technology Essays
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken School Gifted Top 10 High Schools Nation
- Newsweek: Map of Best Public High Schools in the US
- WRDW: Essential Skills Necessary for SC School Cellphone Policy
- Augusta Chronicle: USC Aiken Welcomes First Class of Aiken Scholars Academy
- WJBF: District Names 50 Rising Freshman Selected to Aiken Scholars Academy Inaugural Class
- Wikipedia: Aiken Scholars Academy
- Google Search: Aiken Scholars Academy
- Google Scholar: Aiken Scholars Academy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken Scholars Academy
- Google News: Aiken Scholars Academy
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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