With over 550 public and private schools in the metro area, Charlotte is a central hub for quality education in the Southeastern United States. The city offers many academic options, including public magnet schools, charter schools, and elite private institutions. If you’re moving locally or relocating long-distance to Charlotte and want to find a great school in the city, we’ve created this guide to help you make an informed decision before your move.
Compared to other major U.S. cities, Charlotte performs well in terms of school choice and educational quality. North Carolina’s school system ranks in the top half nationally, and Charlotte regularly stands out thanks to its strong public magnet programs and high-performing private schools.
Whether you’re a local resident or relocating for work, finding the best schools in Charlotte can be tough. Choosing the right school is one of your most important steps as a parent. While we are the best Charlotte movers, we also know how vital it is to find the right school fit. Let’s explore the top-rated options—from public to private—and even Charlotte’s top school districts.
What Are The Best Public Schools in Charlotte?
Charlotte’s public schools are primarily served by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), one of the largest districts in the Southeast. CMS offers a diverse range of magnet, neighborhood, and charter programs, many of which have received national recognition.
1. Providence High School
District: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Highlights: High AP participation, strong academics, excellent athletics
Why It’s Great: Known for high college placement rates and strong community support, Providence is consistently ranked among the top high schools in North Carolina.
2. Ardrey Kell High School
District: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Highlights: High graduation rate, strong SAT scores, diverse programs
Why It’s Great: Ardrey Kell is one of CMS’s top-performing schools and draws families from across the city.
3. Jay M. Robinson Middle School
District: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Highlights: Gifted programs, academic rigor, STEM-focused learning
Why It’s Great: Frequently ranked as one of the best middle schools in the state, with a strong focus on college and career readiness.
4. Elizabeth Lane Elementary School
District: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Highlights: High test scores, active parent-teacher partnerships
Why It’s Great: A top elementary school in the Ballantyne area, known for strong academics and a welcoming community.
What Are The Best Private Schools in Charlotte?
Charlotte is home to several prestigious private institutions that offer rigorous academics, individualized attention, and exceptional extracurricular activities.
1. Charlotte Country Day School
Grades: JK–12
Highlights: College preparatory curriculum, global programs, athletics
Why It’s Great: Known for academic excellence, strong faculty, and a commitment to global citizenship.
2. Providence Day School
Grades: TK–12
Highlights: Global education, strong arts and athletics, inclusive community
Why It’s Great: Offers a global studies diploma and has a long-standing reputation for top college placements.
3. Charlotte Latin School
Grades: TK–12
Highlights: Rigorous academics, leadership development, STEM focus
Why It’s Great: One of the most academically competitive schools in the region, with small class sizes and high achievement.
4. Cannon School
Grades: JrK–12
Highlights: Whole-child development, project-based learning, AP courses
Why It’s Great: Located in nearby Concord, Cannon blends academic excellence with personalized attention and creativity.
What Are The Best School Districts In Charlotte?
Choosing the right district can significantly impact your child’s academic experience. Here are some of the best school districts in the Charlotte area based on performance, parent satisfaction, and college readiness.
1. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)
Notable Schools: Providence High, Ardrey Kell, Jay M. Robinson Middle
Why It’s Great: Offers a wide array of magnet programs, STEM academies, and International Baccalaureate options.
2. Union County Public Schools
Notable Schools: Marvin Ridge High, Cuthbertson Middle, Weddington Elementary
Why It’s Great: Known for excellent suburban schools with top academic scores and a strong focus on community.
3. Cabarrus County Schools
Notable Schools: Cox Mill High, Harris Road Middle
Why It’s Great: Offers high-achieving schools with strong STEM and extracurricular programs, just northeast of Charlotte.
4. Gaston County Schools
Notable Schools: Highland School of Technology, Forestview High
Why It’s Great: Offers competitive magnet programs and a growing reputation for academic innovation.
5. Lincoln County Schools
Notable Schools: North Lincoln High School
Why It’s Great: Small-town atmosphere with big academic results, ideal for families looking for a close-knit environment.
FAQs: Best Schools in Charlotte
1. What are the top-rated public schools in Charlotte?
Providence High School, Ardrey Kell High, and Jay M. Robinson Middle School are among the highest-rated public schools in CMS.
2. Are there good private schools in Charlotte for college preparation?
Yes, Charlotte Country Day, Charlotte Latin, and Providence Day are top-tier private schools with excellent college prep programs.
3. How do Charlotte school districts compare?
CMS offers diversity and options through magnet and IB programs, while Union and Cabarrus County districts are known for high academic performance and suburban quality of life.
4. Is it better to live in a specific neighborhood for school quality?
Yes, areas like Ballantyne, SouthPark, and Weddington are popular for their access to high-performing schools.
5. Do Charlotte schools offer gifted or IB programs?
Absolutely. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has several IB and gifted magnet programs across elementary, middle, and high schools.
Best of luck on your school search
If you haven’t moved to Charlotte just yet, you may want to check out our other guides:
The best schools in Charlotte provide students with the support they need to succeed academically and socially. From innovative public magnet schools to elite private institutions, Charlotte offers incredible educational opportunities for families of all backgrounds.
Visit schools, connect with local parents, and explore each district before making your decision. The right school can help your child thrive in the Queen City.
Thanks for reading another one of our city guides. We hope it helped!
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