Bluffton, SC Schools Guide
Bluffton, South Carolina is served by the Beaufort County School District (BCSD). Ten BCSD public schools are located in Bluffton: five elementary schools (Pre-K–5), River Ridge Academy (Pre-K–8), two middle schools (grades 6–8) and two high schools (grades 9–12). A new school, May River Elementary, is scheduled to open for the 2027–28 school year. Public school assignment is based on a home's address, so always confirm the schools for a specific property using the district's attendance zone maps.
On this page: At a glance How assignment works Elementary Middle & Pre-K–8 High schools What's changing Charter Private FAQ
Bluffton Schools at a Glance
How Public School Assignment Works in Bluffton
The Beaufort County School District assigns students to an elementary, middle and high school by attendance zone, based on the student's home address. The district publishes separate zone maps for elementary, middle and high schools, along with countywide boundary maps.
Important: BCSD states that its attendance zone maps are for reference only. Because the area is growing quickly, newer streets and addresses may not yet appear on the maps, and the district advises that enrollment eligibility should always be confirmed with the local school.
To check the schools for a specific home:
- Look up the address on the BCSD Attendance Zones maps for each school level.
- Confirm with the school or district before you rely on an assignment, especially in newer neighborhoods.
- Review registration requirements, including proof of residency, on the district's Registration page.
- Explore options beyond the zoned school. BCSD offers school choice programs that students can apply to.
Public Elementary Schools in Bluffton
BCSD Elementary Schools in Bluffton
Grade levels and addresses from each school's website and BCSD
| School | Grades | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bluffton Elementary School & Early Childhood Center | Pre-K–5 | 150 & 160 H. E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| Michael C. Riley Elementary School & Early Childhood Center | Pre-K–5 | 172 & 200 Burnt Church Road, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| Okatie Elementary School | Pre-K–5 | 53 Cherry Point Road, Bluffton, SC 29909 |
| Pritchardville Elementary School | Pre-K–5 | 9477 Evan Way, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| Red Cedar Elementary School | Pre-K–5 | 10 Box Elder Street, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| May River Elementary School (opening 2027–28) | Pre-K–5 | 607 New Riverside Road, Bluffton (May River High campus) |
Information reviewed October 9, 2026. Confirm current details with each school.
Public Middle and Pre-K–8 Schools in Bluffton
BCSD Middle and Pre-K–8 Schools in Bluffton
Grade levels and addresses from each school's website and BCSD
| School | Grades | Address |
|---|---|---|
| River Ridge Academy | Pre-K–8 | 3050 River Ridge Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| Bluffton Middle School | 6–8 | 30 New Mustang Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| H. E. McCracken Middle School | 6–8 | 250 H. E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
Information reviewed October 9, 2026. Confirm current details with each school.
Public High Schools in Bluffton
BCSD High Schools in Bluffton
Grade levels and addresses from each school's website and BCSD
| School | Grades | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bluffton High School | 9–12 | 12 H. E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| May River High School | 9–12 | 601 New Riverside Road, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
Information reviewed October 9, 2026. Confirm current details with each school.
What's Changing: May River Elementary and Bluffton Attendance Zones
BCSD broke ground on May River Elementary School in October 2025. The 113,000-square-foot school at 607 New Riverside Road, next to May River High School, is designed for up to 800 students and is scheduled to open for the 2027–28 school year.
Ahead of that opening, the district has been planning changes to student assignment in Bluffton-area schools. BCSD's stated goals include welcoming students to the new school, reducing crowding at Pritchardville and Okatie Elementary, making better use of space at Bluffton High, May River High, M.C. Riley Elementary and H.E. McCracken Middle, and creating clearer boundaries from elementary through high school. The district has said changes will not take effect immediately and that grandfathering provisions will be considered.
If you are buying or selling in Bluffton, check with BCSD for the final attendance zones that will apply to a specific address for 2027–28 and beyond.
Public Charter Schools Near Bluffton
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that enroll students by application rather than by attendance zone.
Public Charter School Listed by BCSD
From the school's website
| School | Grades | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Riverview Charter School | K–8 | 81 Savannah Highway, Beaufort, SC 29906 |
Riverview enrolls students from across Beaufort County through an application. Contact the school for current enrollment details.
Private Schools in Bluffton
Private schools set their own admissions, tuition and grade levels. Contact each school directly for current information.
Private Schools in Bluffton
Confirm current grade levels with each school
| School | Grades | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Cross Schools | Preschool–12 | 495 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| St. Gregory the Great Catholic School | Pre-K–6 | 38 Saint Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909 |
This is not a complete list of private schools in the area.
Official Resources
- BCSD Attendance Zones (elementary, middle and high school maps)
- BCSD Boundary Maps
- BCSD Registration and proof of residency
- BCSD School Choice and Choice Programs
- BCSD: New to Beaufort County?
- South Carolina School Report Cards (official state school data)
Bluffton Schools FAQ
What public schools are in Bluffton, SC?
Ten Beaufort County School District schools are located in Bluffton: Bluffton Elementary School and Early Childhood Center, Michael C. Riley Elementary School and Early Childhood Center, Okatie Elementary School, Pritchardville Elementary School, Red Cedar Elementary School, River Ridge Academy (pre-K through grade 8), Bluffton Middle School, H. E. McCracken Middle School, Bluffton High School and May River High School. May River Elementary School is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year.
How do I find out which schools serve a Bluffton address?
Use the Beaufort County School District's attendance zone maps for elementary, middle and high schools at beaufortschools.net. The district notes the maps are for reference only and that newer streets may not yet appear, so confirm enrollment eligibility with the school before relying on an assignment.
Are Bluffton school attendance zones changing?
The Beaufort County School District is planning student assignment changes for Bluffton-area schools tied to the opening of May River Elementary School in the 2027-28 school year. The district has said changes will not take effect immediately and that grandfathering provisions will be considered. Check with BCSD for final decisions.
When will May River Elementary School open?
The Beaufort County School District has scheduled May River Elementary School to open for the 2027-28 school year at 607 New Riverside Road, next to May River High School. The district says it will serve up to 800 students.
Are there charter schools near Bluffton?
Riverview Charter School, a public charter school for kindergarten through grade 8 located at 81 Savannah Highway in Beaufort, enrolls students from across Beaufort County through an application process. Contact the school for current enrollment details.
Does Brokers Real Estate rate or recommend schools?
No. This guide shares factual information and links to official sources only. School assignments and details are set by the Beaufort County School District and each school, and can change, so please verify directly with them.
Questions About a Bluffton Home?
We're glad to point you to the official sources for any address you're considering, and to send you new Bluffton listings the moment they hit the market.
Get Bluffton Listing Alerts Browse Bluffton Homes Call (843) 837-6080This guide lists factual information only. Brokers Real Estate does not rate, rank or recommend schools. School information, grade levels and attendance zones are set by each school or the Beaufort County School District and can change; please verify directly with them. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.
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