2024 Best Public Schools in Charlotte

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  739 reviews

Senior: Ardrey Kell High School has been a wonderful place for me to grow in and outside the classroom. Like everything, the experience at AK is what you are willing to make it. If you put more into the experience, you'll get more out of it. Joining clubs, sports teams, and volunteer organizations is so easy to do here and for good reason. At a school with 3600+ students, it's hard to find your "place" unless you search for it. Fortunately, I have found my role at this school and I couldn't be happier. Though I'm often frustrated with the limitations a large school body provides, I do recognize it's benefits. Our student section at sporting events is incredibly and I'm often meeting new friends in every class. Throughout my 4 years at Ardrey Kell, challenges have arose within both the academic and social culture of the school. In terms of academics, AK is incredibly competitive. I've taken nearly 20 college courses in my years here and I'm barely top in the 50 of my 950 class. Go Knights!... Read 739 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,494

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: Having been at the school since its inception and assisting in many ways from start-up fundraising, marketing, assisting in the classroom and coaching, I can tell you that the Scholars’ Academy is a gifted school like no other. With my three children attending (one having had AWEFUL experiences in public school before being identified as twice gifted), they were able to freely explore their intellectual abilities and create solid lifelong friendships. All organizations have growing pains and our school may not be perfect for your student… that is an opportunity for the parent to find the right place where their student flourishes! The Scholars’ Academy lets kids be kids, have fun and learn at their speed. Being at SA is like a trip to the United Nations of Children. Our diversity is broad. Moving into high school is always an adjustment, but for 9 years my children were able to feel good in their skin and have fun learning!... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 398

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: Hi! My name is Jia and I’m an 8th grader at Pleasant Knoll Middle School. I think my school is wonderful for the most part. We have a really great staff as well as facilities such as the computer lab and the library! However, I wish there was more diversity. As you can probably imagine, there also is very little culture and I can’t really express mine. As a South Asian, I think diversity is really important and should be valued. Additionally, our school puts most of its emphasis on sports. The academic as well as the theater, music and art programs don’t get as much funding or materials. I feel as though athletics, academics, and the arts are all equally important and should be treated that way! I do believe Pleasant Knoll Middle is an engaging environment and I am truly lucky to have an opportunity to go to a great school, but there are certainly just a few things I would change.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 932

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  425 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience with Weddington high school has been very positive. To start, I’ll talk about academics. My school is extremely advanced in the academic field. They have many different classes available, and many advanced placement classes available also. There are many opportunities for us to do well, and if a student desires to push themselves and take harder classes, they have the opportunity to. Next I will talk about sports. Sports have been a big part of Weddington culture. We have so many sports opportunities at the school. Our coaches are extremely good, and our athletes are amazing and advanced. Our football and basketball teams have won many state championships. All in all, Weddington is a great school, and I have enjoyed spending four years doing school there!... Read 425 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,844

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  186 reviews

Alum: I loved attending CATA for four years, the stress was 100% worth it. Everyone knew each other and I was properly prepared to attend NC State. I would love to see a better lunch menu, with options for people with dietary restrictions. Also, bringing back the football team!... Read 186 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle school student: Every admin I have talked to during my time at Gold Hill Middle School has given me their best and most kids give it their all during testing. The only problem I’ve had is slight miscommunication but that has always been something easily fixed.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 839

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  28 reviews

Junior: I love Charlotte Engineering Early College (CEEC). Very rigorous program but completely doable and rewarding! Very supportive staff and peers plus tons of free college credit if you stick around. Absolutely recommend to anybody who’s up for a challenge!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 299

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Matthews, NC•

• Public School•

• K-9

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: As a parent of two Socrates Academy elementary school scholars I am thoroughly impressed at how much my children have learned and how happy they are with their teachers and classmates. Their teachers are always available to answer any questions I have about my children’s progress, while addressing my concerns with empathy and support. It is so inspiring to see such and active parent faculty involvement group that energizes school spirit while successfully fundraising for the school. Finally, the school is expanding into a state of the art high school which for me illustrates how much the School Board is investing into the development and growth of its students. I would love to see some improvement on the school lunch options and the older school building can use some improvements. However, all in all Socrates Academy is a beautiful diverse school and community. It truly focuses on stimulating my children’s academic growth while providing a safe and inspirational community for them.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Students 824

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Huntersville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  283 reviews

Junior: Hello! I'm currently a student enrolled at LNC. This is a pre-12 school and a college-prep school. I have personally had a very successful time at this school. I came to this school in 5th grade and struggled with a learning disability but through LNC I was able to improve and become a an honor roll student. This is also a small school so you'll have a very good teacher-to-student ratio. There's no cafeteria but there is a hot lunch available for students along with a list of clubs your students can take. The staff at the school are talented and I as a student can tell that the teachers care and invest in all students succsess.... Read 283 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,209

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Cabarrus County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  106 reviews

Senior: Overall, I have had an extremely positive experience at Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School. The best part by far is how active and engaged our teachers are with students. They devote time and energy to preparing us for success in college and beyond. I feel like teachers here genuinely care about seeing students thrive. We develop close relationships since classes are smaller, allowing more personal guidance. Administrators also make dedicated efforts to foster connections through things like learning our names and checking in. I always know I can talk to staff about anything. They empower me to take ownership of my learning. In terms of improvements, I would enjoy seeing more school-wide activities that unite students across grades. With our demanding course loads, we have fewer chances to come together. Expanding things like clubs, events, and assemblies would help build bonds outside academics to feel more tied to CKECHS. More social connections could alleviate stress.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Davidson, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  80 reviews

Senior: My experience at the Community School of Davidson has been overwhelmingly positive. CSD excels in various aspects, with the administration always ready to offer assistance and a warm smile, and the teachers consistently supporting struggling students. It is an ideal educational institution for students seeking growth. However, as a senior, I have observed a certain aspect of my school that could be improved, particularly the lack of diversity among my peers. There is a noticeable divide between the majority of white students and the minority of black students at my school. I believe that enhancing diversity would foster a greater appreciation for different cultures and create a more inclusive and knowledgeable environment at my school.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,475

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: We moved to Marvin for the schools. We have friends at the big private schools and our experience at MES has been on par with the extra attention, emotional support, “specials” (stem, music, etc) and field trips - without the politics or legacy favoritism. The open communication with the principal and staff has been nothing short of remarkable. The principal sends weekly emails and voicemails so parents always know what’s happening, parents are encouraged to email and text their teachers (and the principal), there are ample opportunities to volunteer, and you can join your child at lunch any day throughout the year. The staff are welcoming, warm, and always look like they’re having fun. There’s a mandarin immersion and a giffed program! The school focuses on BUILDING CHARACTER and older grades partner to help the younger grades. Kids are greeted with HUGS every morning at drop-off. School pride is huge and many kids wear Marvin gear year-round, not just on spirit week. A+ PTO... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 747

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Clover School District, SC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 808

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 615

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This school give a very healthy environment to my kid in grooming her for the world and keeps her curiosity alive. Even if there are around 30 kids in her class room she get proper attention from her teacher for every subject. She loves going to school here.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 843

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Indian Trail, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Works Here: My experience at UPA has been nothing but positive. All of the admin staff is very supportive and will help you with anything that you need. They work hard to make UPA the best they can. They give teachers feedback on their instruction, give resources for rigor, followed safety protocols during covid, and will communicate to parents and staff. The teachers here strive for growth for their students and communicate weekly with families, giving updates on their child's progress and are super friendly. One thing that I would love for UPA to change is their campus. I would love for it to be expanded for more kids to experience this wonderful school!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,047

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  468 reviews

Alum: Providence High School overall was a great school. I had good teachers who taught the subject and were experts in that subject. There was a lot of stress to perform on tests and lots of unnecessary homework that was difficult to complete and also play sports. The sports programs need new coaches that actually play ALL the students that are on the team instead of the favorite few, and realize that they are role models for the students and act accordingly. The buildings and classrooms were decent, but older for sure.... Read 468 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,025

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle school student: I am a student in Weddington Middle and overall I am very happy that we settled on this school. I have many friends and all the teachers are very kind, helpful and experienced. Over all there is a very good atmosphere to learn and it gives private school vibes. If you are new to the Charlotte area/South Charlotte this is a must recommend area that feels a bit like the Northeast. All in all, a good environment to grow up.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,358

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  490 reviews

Alum: At Myers Park High School, I learned how to connect with people unlike myself, involved myself in extracurricular activities, had many new experiences, and took advanced-level classes that I would not have had the option to take elsewhere. Through my years at Myers Park High School, I connected closely with many of my teachers due to their drive to see students succeed. The worst part of my experience was with the administration. The administration improperly dealt with accusations coming from students, parents, and faculty, with threats to the school, and the death of students. Despite this, my time spent at Myers Park was satisfactory. What I would like to see change is an attitude within the administration when it comes to addressing disheartening subjects and a direct line of communication with the parents of students.... Read 490 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,539

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Cabarrus County Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: the school is amazing except for one teacher in the 6th grade her name starts with a D and ends with a Y... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,404

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  149 reviews

Alum: The best part of my experience at Union County Early College was that I was able to get a headstart and firsthand account of my college education, while in high school at the same time. The worst part of my experience at Union County Early College was that I did not have any athletic or extracurricular activities that I could participate in while I was there.... Read 149 reviews

• grade A

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Cabarrus County Schools, NC•

• 3-5

• grade A

• Students 838

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 559

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This school has it all. Great Academics, courteous teachers who actually care of their students, decent diversity, more opportunities for STEM.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 961

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This school is absolutely fantastic! A true hidden gem in the Charlotte Metro Area. The leadership, teachers, students, and parents create a culture that fosters learning and fun. Highly recommend this outstanding school.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 682

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1