District Five high schools have made the list of the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. All four high schools are among the top high schools in the Columbia metro area and the state according to the new rankings.
Spring Hill High is ranked the best high school in the Columbia Metro Area, followed by Chapin High at number 2, followed by Dutch Fork High at number 3 and Irmo High School at number 14. All four schools are also ranked as the best high schools in the state. Spring Hill is ranked number 4 in the state, while Chapin High is ranked seventh, followed by Dutch Fork High at number 14 and Irmo High School is ranked at number 94. They are all also ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
There are 230 South Carolina schools honored in the 2025-2026 rankings. U.S. News & World Report collected data from nearly 24,000 high schools across 50 states, including the District of Columbia, to determine where each high school ranked at the national, state and local levels. Key factors were used to determine each high school’s placement, such as college readiness, state assessment proficiency, and underserved student performance.
“Having all four of our high schools recognized in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, administrators, and staff.” School District Five Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr. Said. “To see each of these schools ranked among the top 15 in the Columbia metro area and recognized statewide speaks volumes about the strength of our academic programs and the commitment to excellence across our district. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and will continue striving to provide outstanding opportunities for every student we serve.”
