South Carolina’s residential options are led by two tuition-free public Governor’s Schools — one for science and mathematics in Hartsville, one for the arts and humanities in Greenville — plus Camden Military Academy, one of the lowest-cost private boarding schools in the country at roughly $28,000–$34,000 per year.
Key facts about South Carolina boarding schools
- South Carolina operates two tuition-free public residential Governor’s Schools.
- The Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics is in Hartsville; the Arts and Humanities school is in Greenville.
- Camden Military Academy charges roughly $28,000–$34,000 — among the lowest US private boarding costs.
- Governor’s School admission is limited to South Carolina residents and is competitive.
- The arts school admits by audition or portfolio rather than by test scores alone.
Which are the boarding schools in South Carolina?
| School | City | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics | Hartsville | Coed, 11–12 (public) | $0 for SC residents | STEM focus; research programs |
| SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities | Greenville | Coed, 10–12 (public) | $0 for SC residents | Audition/portfolio admission; five arts disciplines |
| Camden Military Academy | Camden | Boys, 7–12 | ~$28,000–$34,000 | JROTC; among the lowest US boarding costs |
The Governor’s Schools
South Carolina is one of relatively few states running two separate tuition-free residential high schools. The Hartsville school serves students in mathematics and science with laboratory research opportunities; the Greenville school offers pre-professional training in creative writing, dance, drama, music, and visual arts.
For in-state families, these compete directly with private boarding schools costing $50,000 or more and win outright on price. The arts school in particular is one of the few free alternatives to paid arts boarding schools like Interlochen in Michigan. Comparable programs nationwide are listed in free boarding schools.
Camden Military Academy
Camden Military Academy is notable primarily for price: at roughly $28,000–$34,000, it is less than half the national private boarding average, enrolling boys in grades 7–12 under a JROTC structure. As with military schools generally, there is no service obligation and applicants with serious behavioral problems are screened out — see military boarding schools.
Families wanting traditional coed college-preparatory boarding will find more options in North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. All states: best boarding schools by state.
South Carolina boarding school FAQ
What boarding schools are in South Carolina?
South Carolina has three main residential options: Camden Military Academy, an all-boys school in Camden, and two tuition-free public Governor's Schools — the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville and the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville.
Are South Carolina Governor's Schools free?
Yes for South Carolina residents. Both the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville and the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville are state-funded residential high schools charging no tuition to in-state students. Admission is competitive and by application, portfolio, or audition.
How much does Camden Military Academy cost?
Camden Military Academy charges approximately $28,000–$34,000 per year for boarding cadets in 2025–26 — among the lowest private boarding costs in the United States. It enrolls boys in grades 7–12 under a JROTC structure with no service obligation.
Which South Carolina school is best for arts students?
The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville is the state's dedicated residential arts high school, offering pre-professional training in creative writing, dance, drama, music, and visual arts at no tuition cost to South Carolina residents.
Sources
- SC Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics and SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities: tuition-free residential admission.
- NCSSS: public residential academy directory.