Buist Academy

Buist Academy, located in downtown Charleston, is an academic magnet school that enrolls approximately 500 students from kindergarten through 8th grade within the Charleston County School District. Its student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1. As a result, Buist is known for being one of the top-performing schools in the state with both mathematics and reading skill mastery rates well above the averages, solidifying its status as one of the best elementary schools in South Carolina. While the majority of the student population is white, there is also a notable diversity in enrollment of African American, Hispanic, and multiracial students. Buist Academy is known for its International Baccalaureate focus and a curriculum emphasizing global learning, the arts, and leadership skills. Families note a strong sense of community as well as a highly competitive admissions process. Neighborhoods around Charleston have median home values from $650K to over $800K, reflecting its high demand.

As an IB school, Buist emphasizes a concept-based, interdisciplinary approach that develops internationally minded students.

Q1. What is Buist Academy’s curriculum centered on?

Buist Academy is a school that follows an International Baccalaureate (IB) program with a focus on global community awareness.

Q2. How competitive is admission?

As a highly-regarded magnet school, the number of applicants exceeds the number of available seats, and, therefore, Buist conducts a lottery for admissions.

Q3. What enrichment opportunities are provided?

Students participate in a variety of enrichment opportunities involving world languages, the arts, and leadership.

Q4. How does Buist accommodate students who are gifted?

The rigorous nature of the IB curriculum is challenging, academically and creatively.

Q5. Are parents involved in the school community?

Buist has a parent group and many volunteer opportunities that support events and aspects of the academics.