2023 Best Private Schools in North Carolina

• Cary, NC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  101 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 101 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

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  64 reviews

Parent: PD is far more than a top notch TK-12 college prep school! It is truly a community of dedicated, attentive & engaged teachers, administrators, staff, parents & families. PD is our second home. The curriculum is rigorous, the extracurriculars are wide ranging, and mental health & student support services are exemplary. More importantly, the student service opportunities are limitless and students actively participate by choice. We chose PD due to their welcoming of diverse families, and my daughters have close friends from a wide range of backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities. My oldest daughter recently matriculated from PD to a highly selective college and hasn't missed a beat. PD prepared her to solve problems, think critically, manage her time, practice self-care and instinctively make a positive difference in the larger community. My youngest daughter at PD is thriving and discovering an intense interest in STEM activities, such as Radio Astronomy. PD is truly exceptional!... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,863

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  99 reviews

Freshman: Although, due to the pandemic, I will not be completing my first year at Asheville School, my time there has been very meaningful and worthwhile. I think the way my school handled switching to online courses, proves a lot for my school. Our school it out February 28 for spring break, we did not know we wouldn’t be returning. However, March 7 we found out spring break would be extended for one week and a list of new procedures were promptly sent out. moreover, March 13 school was canceled indefinitely. However, they quickly transitioned into a new online world. All the teachers were quick to establish resources through our school website, organize times for discussion, and give access to live meetings at schedule times each day during the week. From that, we were able to continue to learn on an amazing level despite the changes. My school took on the challenge with gusto. My teachers all worked alongside me, as we navigated through this strange time. Adaptability was shown!... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 294

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  41 reviews

Alum: Country Day is an incredible school with excellent teachers, passionate coaches, and a friendly student body. The school fosters a strong sense of community and truly cares about its faculty. Country Day also offers extra-curricular activities that provide students with the opportunity to perform at the highest levels of athletic, artistic, and academic competition. Having completed my freshman year of college, I can easily say that I was better prepared than many of my fellow first year students. Country Day is truly a college preparatory school in every sense—alums will be equipped with the skills they need to thrive in college, provided they are willing to work hard. I can’t think of a better high school to be a student athlete or developing artist or budding scientist than Country Day—the emphasis on the whole of the student is truly remarkable. With all of its strengths, its few weaknesses—bad cafeteria food and a handful of subpar administrators—don’t really register.... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,738

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: Without a doubt, the largest benefit I reaped from Latin was their Speech & Debate program. Not only did I find a supportive community, but also got the resources necessary to succeed in the event. The small class sizes were crucial because I got to know my teachers on a personal level and could always receive one-on-one help. The courses focus on interdisciplinary connections and always brings the curriculum back to events occurring in the real world, which was crucial to making the learning seem meaningful. Moreover, there's a lot of spirit days and perks that the administration organizes. It goes without saying that the food and facilities were also top notch.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,469

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Winston-salem, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  74 reviews

Senior: I like that Salem academy is so inclusive. They offer scholarships to those who need them. Salem Academy has this internship opportunity every January called Janterm, which is great for college applications! I love the purple and gold competitions because the team heads are really creative and make the experience fun for everyone. Salem has a great college prep advisor who has been very helpful with me in my college application experience.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 70

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• 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

• Greensboro, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: GDS is an extremally nice and well rounded school. It is packed with challenging courses and great faculty and staff who work diligently to ensure that students are ready for college and obtain the opportunity to pursue their own path. With that said, as someone who has attended the school for six years now, coming in seventh grade, I find that the school has it's weaknesses. To start the food at GDS is not what it once was, while it is still superior to that of the public schools in the area the cost to quality and meal size ratio is unsettling. In addition there is a very noticeable lack of school spirit from the student body, and while the school and a hand full of student are working to raise school spirit it is still something to be addressed. Ultimately GDS is a great school and community that is very close and will not only prepare you for what is next but also allow you to form strong long lasting bonds with class and school mates.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 878

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Gastonia, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  117 reviews

Parent: Our daughter just finished her preschool year at Gaston Day School. To say the least, we couldn't be happier. This was her first year at Gaston Day and as much great feedback we had learned about this school, we were hesitant moving her from a school that she has known since she was 18months old. She came home from her first day at Gaston Day and our fears were immediately gone. She was so happy and excited to go back the next day. She said she had so much fun! This is a testament to the administration and teachers at Gaston Day. They create an atmosphere that feels open, safe, and loving. A perfect environment for learning. They do a great job keeping us updated on our child's progress through weekly report cards. The crafts that the kids participate in are fun, but as an adult, we see the skills that they are teaching at the same time. She just finished the school year and has already asked when she is going back to Gaston Day!... Read 117 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Lewisville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  50 reviews

Alum: I came to FCDS in Jr. Pre-K which means I have spent 14 years at this school. The teachers are great and they really do care about providing quality education as well as being there for students in a more personal capacity. The overall educational experience has been very good and I feel that attending FCDS has adequately prepared me for college. I do feel, however that FCDS lacks in terms of preparing students for real life and the workforce. FCDS provides little health, personal finance, and other real world classes. FCDS also lacks in its sustainability. The cafeteria still uses plastic utensils and our water fountains are abysmal, which leads to many students buying bottled water. Elliot Sullivan... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 924

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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

• Asheville, NC•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  69 reviews

Alum: I graduated from Christ School in 2021. Christ School was an excellent place for me to grow as a student, athlete, and person. The academics are challenging, but the faculty will do whatever it takes in order to help you succeed. The athletics department is superb, and there is are a wide variety of sports/activities available. There is also something always happening on campus for students to join in, whether it be dorm wars or a residential life event. There are also a variety of off campus trips/activities that are most often provided at no extra cost. Attending was an amazing experience for me, and I would highly recommend giving Christ School a look!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 294

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• Fayetteville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: Harvard-Westlake. One is in lower school and the other is a junior in the upper school. For the past several years they have been evolving and focusing on the health and well-being of the students! Late starts for high school students, days off for high school students, day trips to Disneyland! Head of School Rick Commons and Associate Head of School Laura Ross are incredible! The teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, outstanding (they often incorporate curbed grading) and there's a supportive team/learning specialists, psychologists who are there for students and parents no matter where they are on their journey! My kids are learning to listen effectively. work collaboratively, enhancing their emotional intelligence quotient. Applying historical-cultural insights to contemporary moments, have a richer appreciation for the need to be an engaged active glocal and global citizen and are more than ready for college!... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 388

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Wilmington, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: Finishing our 2nd year with one each in the LS and US. CFA has exceeded our expectations. Beginning with an admissions process that is efficient and individualized, it seems every staff member is invested in knowing our kids and empowering them to “Go Further”, which happens to be the school’s motto and could not be more apt. Communications are clear and transparent. If I’ve ever had a question and don’t know who to ask, it doesn’t matter. Everyone and anyone is friendly and helpful, and if they don’t know the answer they direct me to whomever does. There is any number of extracurricular activities and clubs. Participation is encouraged and embraced for all measures of previous experience from novice to expert. Academics are outstanding. Our girls are learning beyond our wildest dreams. We looked at several similar schools across the nation and feel CFA is a veritable bargain for our investment. Hands down, it is the best decision we could have made for our children.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 652

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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 4.47 out of 5  32 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 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 309

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: Our child is dyslexic. The Key School at Carolina Day changed our child’s life forever. The teachers, the tailored instruction, and pace of learning was everything our child desperately needed. She realized there are brilliant, dyslexic minds and she was surrounded by many other dyslexic children, just like herself. She wasn’t alone anymore. The teachers equipped my child with the tools she needed for academic success, but also social and emotional success. The Key School’s kinesthetic and auditory/visual learning techiniques coupled with their intentionally small class sizes and warm, nurturing environment was the exact prescription my child needed to heal, learn and grow. I’ve had multiple parents tell me recently that my child seems so “confident”. Seeing the day to day changes in my child’s growth in addition to hearing other’s observations confirm that sending her to the Key School was the best school-related decision I’ve ever made.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• Goldsboro, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: Wayne Country Day School is a perfect school for every student. Their teachers along with the sports programs creates a great environment for students who are academics and athletes. WCDS is also very accepting of all types of student, regardless of race, religion, or orientation. I’m glad I’ve found a home where I am accepted and pushed to be my best self.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• Concord, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: An excellent private school in Concord NC. Students are well-prepared for college. Administration, faculty and staff are top-notch. Very strong College Counseling team!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,003

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Southern Pines, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  62 reviews

Senior: The teachers form such close relationships with the students that they feel like friends. being able to make jokes and connect with teachers allows for connection between the students and the class they are taking and keeps learning fun and interactive. Friendships between grade levels are also common and help teach kids of all ages how to interact with people with different viewpoints from a young age. Community events, sports, and dances all involve the whole school, and the seamless transition between the classroom and out-of-classroom activities gives students the opportunity to always be thinking critically and to be in "school mode" all the time. The pressure some feel from shifting their personalities or who they are to please an authority- such as a teacher- doesn't exist. This school has given me amazing opportunities both in and out of school, but I remain sure that the relationships I have formed over these years are what have made me who I am today.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 544

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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