2023 Best Private Schools in the Raleigh Area

• Cary, NC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  102 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at Cary Academy (as much as you can for a high school)! For a quiet, yet hardworking and ambitious kid, the faculty at Cary Academy helped me find my voice and my passions. High school is transformative for most students, but Cary Academy helped me in ways beyond standard test preparation. Cary Academy taught me how to work, think and study. I went to college more than prepared and excited to take advantage of every opportunity. I would, however, like the school to focus more on the students and less on the business of the institution. Listen to the kids as your guide and hire faculty that are right for them.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 787

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Durham, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  102 reviews

Parent: We are blown away by the quality of teachers at DA. Our kids have experience middle and upper school at DA and they are always sharing what they are learning about with great enthusiasm. Even in lower grades, students are challenged to use their critical thinking skills and to go deep on subject matter. The teachers take time to really get to know their students - reading report cards makes it’s clear that the truly “see” your children and understand both their gifts and areas where they need to grow. The advisory model is a great system for parents and students as you always have one person who knows what is happening with your child and has the big picture view. The arts and athletics programs are top notch - the only problem is there is not enough time in the day to take advantage of it all. The course offerings are diverse with a big emphasis on learning about people from all different walks of life and cultures. It is exciting to see my children grow at DA!... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,237

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  126 reviews

Parent: We originally considered making the change from public to private school for our girls because we knew would eventually have 3 kids in 3 schools on 3 schedules (year round & traditional). We thought we'd move our oldest to private & have the other 2 follow when they started middle school. Once we toured Ravenscroft, we decided to move all 3 immediately! We were impressed with the arts programs, athletic programs & differentiated learning opportunities. From the 1st open house to now, 2 years later, we are thankful every day we made the change. The girls transitioned easily & were welcomed by new friends. The differentiated education opportunities allow each of them to learn at their own pace. The "Lead From Here" program designed to create citizen leaders is a top focus within the school that starts in pre-k & goes through graduation. The Ravenscroft community of parents is very warm & welcoming. I highly recommend Ravenscroft to anyone considering private school in the Raleigh area.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,239

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Durham, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  62 reviews

Senior: Great academic environment with amazing teachers! The upper school is a highly close-knit community and faculty are consistently supportive and are willing to do anything for students and the humanities classes at Trinity are highly thought-provoking and academically challenging. Trinity does often lack diversity however and could work to be more welcoming and supportive of minority students (LGBTQ+ and poc students).... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 561

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  43 reviews

Parent: My daughter started St. David's this year and we both have been thrilled with the school. Her teachers are invested, encouraging, challenging and very responsive. More than once, my daughter has stated how supported she feels by both the teachers and fellow students. I switched her from public schools as I worried she was not getting the academic instruction she needed. St. David's has been the perfect fit. One item to note, the school is Christian faith based and that doctrine is evident in school communications, parent groups and the values instilled in students.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 606

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Durham, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: GREAT school! The small, individualized classes are always engaging. Students are challenged and encouraged to think and share ideas. This is a school that meets the needs of ALL students in a safe and welcoming environment. The faculty, staff and students are like a big family. Excellent academics, electives, clubs, & team sports opportunities, too! Students graduating from Camelot are prepared for college and life!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 148

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  33 reviews

Parent: As my daughters prepare to graduate this May, I can't say enough about Saint Mary's School. SMS has been an exceptional experience for my two girls (twins). The level of engagement, community, academics, and spirit that SMS offers is unparalleled. Educationally, my girls and their peers are challenged to love learning and to learn to think critically. SMS helps them amplify their voices, find confidence, learn to lead, and fostered their individual growth. Both of my daughters love the Saint Mary's community and have enjoyed extracurriculars including participating in sports, the arts, and several student clubs and organizations, including student government. Saint Mary's girls truly do find and develop lifelong friendships, and I am simply in awe of the amazing network of alumnae they have available to them. I was also impressed that they were provided internship experiences prior to college! And, their four-year seminar program and college counseling is phenomenal. GoSaints!... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 309

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Durham, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: I love, love, love Carolina Friends School! It has been truly life-changing for me. Many say that it's an "easy" school--I entirely disagree. To outsiders, it may seem hard to fail, but that is only because the staff is so loving and supportive of their students.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 501

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Cary, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: We have fallen in love with CCS! We never predicted we would send our kids to private school, and it is the best decision we have made for them. The quality of teaching is night and day from public school. The teachers all have a true gift, and all lessons are well thought out. The teachers actually teach rather than using a computer program to do their job and babysit the class. All subjects are taught from a biblical world view and all students are held to a high standard. CCS is everything we wished for our kids' education and more!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 785

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  21 reviews

Parent: Our children have attended this school since 2012 and we could not be more happy! The staff and faculty are engaged and responsive. Everything from volunteering their time to host bible studies for students to partnering with parents in monthly prayer meetings. The academics have prepared our children well as they matriculated to top tier colleges and transitioned from one grade to the next. And while all of these things are fantastic and we are grateful for them, the most endearing quality of Trinity is that the community really cares. We lift one another up when needed and celebrate alongside one another when life calls for celebration. Love seeing this school be the hands and feet of Jesus!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 562

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: As a mainstream teacher, I sought for something other than public school for my own child. Her experience at EWS has put her right on track for college. The arts are integrated across the curriculum, and there is rigorous work in the High School akin to AP level coursework elsewhere. The faculty works together to help foster independent thinking and social responsibility, and they are perpetual learners themselves. As with any other method, Waldorf Education is not right for everyone, but it's worth checking out!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Students 273

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  227 reviews

Junior: Gibbons Students live at Gibbons. That doesn't mean that we eat and sleep on campus, although some have tried; it means that this school is where we feel at home. I never get to school after 7:30 am and usually don't leave until 4:30 or 5. That is how welcoming and engaging Cardinal Gibbons is. Between the educators, students, families, athletics, clubs, campus/facilities, and the community at CGHS I would rather be nowhere else. Even though we are a Diocesan Catholic School, the Catholic Faith is not forced upon student. Plenty of student come from other faiths and no one is forced to conform to a certain culture; however, there are still innumerable ways to live out your faith on campus via Mass, service, or the wonderful school Chaplain affectionately known as "Father." Academics are outstanding, Educators truly value and love their students, Athletics are top notch (go Crusaders!) and the community is one of a kind. I love it here!... Read 227 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,464

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  56 reviews

Parent: STMA is a truly unique school. The academics, social, and spiritual life of the school is vibrant and refreshing! Three of my children attend STMA and I wish I would have been fortunate enough to have STMA as my high school experience. The academics are challenging and students who want to do well will do well. The spiritual life of the school is truly, faithfully Catholic, not just words or going through the motions. Students are joyful and kind. Teachers and administration care deeply about their students. I trust them immensely and value their hard work and input in my children's lives. I would not send my kids anywhere else for high school or middle school! It is a truly beautiful place where kids learn how to be the people God is calling them to be in all areas of life.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A

• Students 244

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Rolesville, NC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 2.74 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: This school is literally an answer to prayer. We moved here not knowing anyone, which was initially hard on our youngest daughter. Then we found Thales. My children love the structure, the amazing teachers, and being taught in a safe environment where they are taught to respect everyone. Thales is big on academics, and they are big on building character. As a mother, I couldn’t ask for more!... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• Students 685

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Durham, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  42 reviews

Parent: This is an amazing school with teachers that care. They focus on what your child strengths are and build a desire to learn. It is truly a family atmosphere and my kids are safe. We tried public school in Durham and it was very bad. The religious aspect helps them with moral values and a healthy base. The most important thing to me is my kids are happy and learning. I highly recommend you take a look at this school. Tim Blancett... Read 42 reviews

• grade A

• Students 242

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Apex, NC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  32 reviews

Parent: For those ready to be rid of Covid, this school has been wonderful for having in-person while offering on-line for 2020-2021. I had a senior and they were able to have a somewhat normal year. Furthermore, the 2021-2022 year has been even better with no mask requirements. Except for the few that chose to wear masks, it almost looks and feels pre-covid. New in 2021-2022 is a separate on-line academy. The curriculum is a classical education with an emphasis on critical thinking. A big plus, is high achievers can easily advance in course/grade-level work. If high achievers begin at Thales in the elementary level, they can be moved up whole grades if it's warranted. There are honors levels in all courses. There is not much AP offerings, but they are adding more every year. In 2022-2023 students will be able to take dual enrollment. Foreign language is required, but the only options are Latin and Spanish. I'd like to see stronger relationships with parents and the faculty/staff.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A

• Students 727

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  150 reviews

Senior: I have attended North Raleigh Christian Academy for 13 years with a very positive experience. North Raleigh Christian is a great school to teach students how to love the Lord and others while receiving an excellent education. North Raleigh Christian sends students to college leaving them confident in their education and creative abilities. North Raleigh Christian allows each student to be creative and unique with many options for electives and sports! The North Raleigh Christian staff is very selfless and loving to each student. I had a wonderful experience at North Raleigh Christian Academy.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,536

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: I've been at GRACE since kindergarten, and the community that this school provides is unlike anything I have ever seen. The class sizes are relatively small (never over 25), giving students the chance to develop relationships with each other as well as with their teachers. GRACE also gives students and teachers laptops to give access to more education and the ability to see and submit assignments online. Each student and teacher is also given an email address, which is extremely useful when communicating with teachers about needing help. The teachers do everything they can to help the students in their lives, not just academically. Every week, the students attend chapel and listen to a speaker talk about God. There is also an annual retreat at the beginning of the school year when the entire high school goes on a retreat for a few days for the students to learn more about God and build relationships with each other and the teachers while having lots of fun!... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Students 779

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Clayton, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: I love going to Southside Christian School because I get to be in a community that not only cares about me academically, but that cares about my spiritual well-being. The teachers and staff at Southside Christian School see the students more like their own children rather than students that they are just supposed to teach information to. From an academic standpoint, I know that I will be more than prepared for college because of my time at Southside Christian School. The classes are rigorous and I have had the opportunity to take honors and AP classes and be involved with dual enrollment. Despite being a small school, I would not trade going to Southside Christian School for anything.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Durham, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: Liberty Christian School strives to give its students a great education in a God-fearing manner. I was privileged to attend LCS for my four high school years and I loved my time there! In my spiritual life, I was challenged in my walk with God to grow closer to Him everyday. In academics, I was pushed to learn as much as a could and to develop character through my schooling. Although I still had learning to do, I was not lost when I got to college. In academics, I was able to participate in volleyball and cheerleading- both of which taught me how to be a team player, to encourage others, and to work hard. In my social life, I had teachers and classmates with whom I built lasting relationships. Just as any other place, LCS is not perfect, but its administration continually strives to improve so its students receive a great education and a God-centered foundation for life.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 237

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: I love this school. The teachers are kind and caring. My experience with the school so far has been awesome. My daughters teacher is encouraging and also keeps us (parents) in the loop of what's going on. If there is something we need to help with, she talks to us about it. Her teacher really makes the learning experience fun and exciting for my daughter, who gets bored easily. And at the same time, my daughter is learning about God and how He is part of her life. It's exciting to see my daughter excited about Jesus and singing all the songs and quoting Bible verses. Wouldn't have her anywhere else. Another thing we were concerned about was safety. Very secure facility, fenced in and all doors locked and main doors have security codes to enter. Makes me feel better leaving her there.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  21 reviews

Senior: Neuse Christian Academy has provided a safe and caring environment when it comes to learning and being prepared to step into the world and work-force. Neuse Christian Academy has equipped me with lessons that I will carry on into college and beyond. I have incredible memories due to the teachings, relationships, and opportunities through the school. The community is very loving and involved when it comes to extracurriculars. Neuse Christian Academy has a promising environment and has been able to guide me through “next-step” decisions such as where I want to go to college and the best way for me to accomplish my goals in accordance with my certain desired career path. I will carry the memories from Neuse Christian Academy and continue to stay in touch with my friends because of the positive experience I had through my high school career.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 305

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: I have attended Wake Christian Academy since kindergarten and have had the opportunity to participate in sports. The coaching staff is short, so that is one downside of a small private school; However the relationships between coach and player are built stronger. Throughout my years of education I have had teachers who were not so willing to teach, and teachers who gave it their all every single day. There is not a perfect school, so it is expected for there to be faults wherever somebody chooses to go, but how the administration keeps an optimistic attitude reduces such faults. My favorite part of Wake Christian Academy is in it's name... Christian! I have been a religious person my whole life and having the opportunity to go to a school that worships the Lord is amazing. The teachers are very serious about helping us students grow in our spiritual walk, especially during senior year when college is approaching.... Read 60 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 909

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: I attended Raleigh Christian Academy from birth until I graduated. Being at this school for such a long time I was able to really see the emphasis the school puts on faith, leading, and equipping every student. Every single teacher was and is willing to share their faith with the students and answer with the best of their abilities any questions students might have concerning faith. The teachers at RCA is one area that makes them stand out. The teachers have a genuine concern with helping the students. There were a few teachers that helped form me into the young man that I am today and I will forever remember that. The extra-activities outside of the class room are exceptional. The music and athletic programs are outstanding. The music department has dozens of 1st place finishes and even some national places. The athletics department is another amazing department that can empower students to become athletic leaders and teach them to balance school and athletics.... Read 26 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 309

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: Our family is impressed with the way this school program is uniquely tailored to meet the educational needs of young men. They offer a comprehensive program that fosters their natural curiosity as a focal point of learning, this creates student-led learning and interest in the subjects being taught. They also provide for physical activity throughout the day, improving the mental alertness and readiness of the students. The teachers are highly engaged with the students and go above and beyond to meet each student's needs and make the material interesting. Importantly, each aspect of the school is effectively tied in with the honor code and results in very well rounded student growth to prepare these young men to be successful men when they graduate and move on to the next phase of their life. We feel that the school is in a caring partnership with our family to prepare our son for each step in this important time in his life (high school).... Read 17 reviews

• grade B

• Students 62

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1