In the dynamic landscape of Upstate South Carolina, one institution consistently stands out for its commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual depth: Prince of Peace Catholic Church and School in Taylors, SC. As of late 2025, this vibrant parish community, located at 1209 Brushy Creek Road, continues to solidify its reputation as a regional leader, earning prestigious national accolades and maintaining a deeply rooted, yet forward-thinking, approach to faith and education. This article dives into the latest, most compelling details about what makes Prince of Peace a true "dual-excellence powerhouse" in the Greenville area.
The parish's success is not merely anecdotal; it is backed by concrete recognition, from being named the "Best Place of Worship" to its school's repeated status as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The community’s mission is clear: to share the fullness of the Gospel by equipping disciples. This focus on discipleship permeates every program, ministry, and classroom, ensuring the institution remains a vital spiritual and educational resource for families across the region.
The Unprecedented Academic Success of Prince of Peace Catholic School
Prince of Peace Catholic School (POPCS) has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to academic rigor and holistic student development, placing it in an elite tier of private education institutions nationally. Its recent achievements are a testament to its dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and supportive parish community.
Multiple National Blue Ribbon Honors: A Rare Distinction
The school's most significant and recent achievement is its repeated recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. POPCS earned this prestigious academic award in 2014 and again in 2025, a rare feat for any private school in the state of South Carolina. This designation places Prince of Peace among the top 7% of academic-performing schools in the country, measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- 2025 Blue Ribbon School: This recent award highlights the school's sustained excellence and exemplary high-performance.
- CAPE Recognition: In a recent announcement, Prince of Peace was the only school from South Carolina recognized by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) for its exemplary achievement.
- Cardinal Newman Society: The school was also recognized in 2020 on the Cardinal Newman Society Catholic Education Honor Roll, further validating its commitment to a strong Catholic identity alongside academic success.
Beyond national awards, the school was recently named the 2024 Best Private School and Best Preschool in the Upstate, reflecting strong local community approval and confidence in its educational model. The school’s focus extends beyond core subjects, aiming to close achievement gaps and foster a well-rounded educational experience for every student.
A Spiritual Anchor: The Unique Liturgical Life of the Parish
While the school garners national attention, the heart of the community remains the Prince of Peace Catholic Church parish. Its liturgical life is notably rich and diverse, making it a unique destination for Catholics throughout the Upstate region.
Two Forms, Two Languages: A Liturgical Center
Prince of Peace enjoys a leadership role in Upstate South Carolina as the only parish that regularly celebrates Mass in two forms and in two languages: English and Latin. This commitment to liturgical diversity caters to a wide spectrum of the faithful, from those who prefer the Ordinary Form (English) to those who seek the reverence of the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass).
The parish's Mass schedule reflects this unique blend of traditions:
- Anticipated English Mass: Saturday at 5:00 PM
- Low English Mass: Sunday at 8:00 AM
- Solemn English Mass: Sunday at 10:00 AM
- Traditional Latin Mass: Sunday at 12:00 PM
The worship of the Triune God is considered the core of everything the parish does, exemplified by the continual sacrifice of prayer in the Adoration Chapel, which serves as a spiritual hub for the community.
Accolades as a Place of Worship
The parish's vibrant spiritual life has not gone unnoticed by the wider community. In 2022, Prince of Peace was named the “Best Place of Worship in the Upstate,” a significant public recognition that speaks to the welcoming atmosphere and depth of faith found within the church. This accolade highlights the parish's success in its primary mission: to equip disciples and share the Gospel to all they encounter.
Community Impact and Essential Outreach Ministries
The mission of Prince of Peace extends far beyond the campus walls, manifesting through dedicated social ministry and outreach programs that serve the local community and beyond. This practical application of faith is a core pillar of the parish's identity.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP)
The Outreach Ministry is anchored by the active presence of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP). Located in Taylors, SC, the SVDP chapter at Prince of Peace is dedicated to uplifting those in need by providing essential resources and spiritual support. This ministry focuses on person-to-person service, embodying the Catholic commitment to social justice and charity. The parish’s annual financial reports, such as the Fiscal Year 2024 report, underscore the importance of these ministries, even while noting concerns about the impact of inflation on the community.
Key Parish Entities and Ministries
The breadth of the parish's involvement is evident in its diverse range of ministries, which foster spiritual growth and community engagement:
- Legion of Mary: A dedicated group focused on bringing Christ and His Church to souls, actively engaging in apostolic work.
- Adoration Chapel: Provides a continuous opportunity for prayer and devotion, serving as the "continual sacrifice of prayer."
- New Parishioner Registration: The parish maintains an active focus on growth, encouraging new families to register and become part of the vibrant community.
In summary, Prince of Peace in Taylors, SC, is much more than a local church or school. It is a nationally recognized center of educational excellence, a unique spiritual haven celebrated for its liturgical diversity, and a powerful engine for community outreach. Its recent achievements and ongoing dedication to its mission make it a compelling and essential institution in the Upstate region, continuing to impact lives both spiritually and academically.
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