Charleston Collegiate Named Best Private School in Charleston for Second Year in a Row
Charleston Collegiate School has been named the Best Private School in Charleston in the 2026 Charleston City Paper Awards. This marks the second year in a row that CCS has earned the honor.
CCS also earned the title of Best Preschool in Charleston. The Charleston City Paper Awards celebrate the schools, businesses, and organizations that make the Charleston community a great place to live, work, and learn.
A Celebration of the CCS Community
Each year, the Charleston City Paper Awards recognize local favorites across the Charleston area. This year, voters cast hundreds of thousands of votes across more than 500 categories.
For Charleston Collegiate, these awards mean more than a title. Instead, they reflect the students, families, faculty, and staff who make CCS special.
At CCS, students learn by doing. Our programs combine strong academics with hands-on experiences and meaningful relationships. For example, students explore their interests through Project-Based Learning, Outdoor Education, entrepreneurship, the arts, athletics, and more.
A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Our Preschool program builds that same foundation from the start. Young learners explore, create, ask questions, and build confidence in a supportive environment. As a result, students develop the skills and curiosity they need for the years ahead.
That approach continues throughout a student’s CCS experience. Teachers know their students well and create opportunities for them to take ownership of their learning. In addition, students learn to think critically, solve problems, collaborate, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Charleston community for recognizing Charleston Collegiate for the second year in a row,” said Andy Gyves, Head of School. “This award reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and the incredible students and families who make CCS such a special community.”
Rigorous Learning That Connects to the Real World
Charleston Collegiate serves students from Preschool through Grade 12 on our 30-acre Johns Island campus. Along the way, students have opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
For example, juniors and seniors participate in our internship program. Students spend one full day each week gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting. They complete at least 75 hours of work each semester. At the same time, they explore potential careers and build skills they can use beyond the classroom.
Students also use our campus as an extension of the classroom. They explore the outdoors, work on real-world projects, develop creative ideas, and build lasting relationships with their teachers and classmates.
Because of this approach, students leave CCS prepared to take on what comes next in college and beyond. They graduate with strong academic foundations and confidence in their abilities. More importantly, they understand how their learning connects to the world around them.
Looking Toward the Future
The 2026 Charleston City Paper Awards come during an exciting time at CCS. The school continues to invest in its programs, campus, and future.
Most recently, CCS launched The Pillars Pavilion Campaign. This $10 million initiative will create a new 12,000-square-foot facility at the heart of campus. The space will support learning, collaboration, innovation, and community.
Ultimately, we are proud to celebrate this recognition with our entire community. We are especially grateful to the students, families, faculty, and staff who make Charleston Collegiate a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
Want to learn more? Connect with our admissions team today and come see CCS in action.
