The Charles County Public School system operates 19 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools, a career and technology center, an outdoor education center, an alternative school and several other special centers. Sixteen schools offer a pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. There are more than 200 educational partnerships between the schools, businesses, individuals and groups. There are 15 private schools in the county.

The College of Southern Maryland, near La Plata, has an enrollment of more than 15,000 students, of which more than 6,000 students live in Charles County. The college offers a two-year program leading to an Associate of Arts degree, and a joint program with the University of Maryland at the Waldorf Center for bachelor's degrees. Charles County is also home to John Hopkins University and the University of Maryland University College. Both universities have satellite locations in the county.