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2022 Best Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

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Best for the Arts
20 results

  1. Philip J. Weaver Education Center

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 153 reviews
    #1 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Junior: I am currently a Junior at this school, meaning I have not completed my academic career here. With that being said, I am enjoying my time here so far. An overwhelming majority of the teachers are incredibly helpful, kind, and care about the future of their students. AP classes are offered and encouraged. The staff to student ratio is ideal, ensuring every child gets tended to. There's MANY academic resources provided here and extracurriculars, such as Service Learning, virtual college tours, the NHS, the NAHS, a surplus of clubs, contests, and much more. The website for this school is also well-organized and easy to navigate, making it user-friendly to everyone. Parents are highly encouraged to stay involved in the school and student's life. The only thing that prevents me from giving 5/5 stars are the food and infrastructure. Though I have never tasted the food myself, it looks like your typical school lunch. The building is long overdue for a renovation and appears worn down...Read 153 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 342 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Northwest School of the Arts

    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 224 reviews
    #2 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: The only thing about Northwest School of the Arts that made my experience somewhat worth the horrifying stress was the people I met. Not even speaking on race but just the difference in all personalities that don't normally go together but under tense circumstances, we stand together BECAUSE of our differences. I've grown to love and respect the affluent gender identifications and roles multiplied times 10 because of the wonderful people I've met and will remember forever. I've not been a fan of every teacher but the ones I am, have taught me so much more beyond book smarts. I have life lessons and adult support to last me 9 lives. I can't account for how much I've learned intellectually considering my recall isn't good at all but I've got the mental capacity to handle just about anything life throws my way. And for that, my Northwest Family will always be remembered...Read 224 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,142 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Odyssey School

    • Private School
    • ASHEVILLE, NC
    • PK, K-12
    • 30 reviews
    #3 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Parent: Odyssey School has developed a beautifully comprehensive and community-based approach to learning and education. Our son gets to explore learning from the 6-strand model that Odyssey has incorporated as part of their curriculum, which includes learning how to learn from a multi-dimensional perspective that includes, social, academic, environmental, justice, emotional, deep listening, and creative/musical development (to name a few). For me, this is the true essence of education that Odyssey provides, a place where a child can grow and thrive in an environment that holds them with respect, accountability, autonomy, agency, and friendliness. They also value community and their school events (pre-pandemic) were lovely in-person events that supported community building and a deep sense of belongingness. We love this school (our son included), and we recommend this school with much enthusiasm!...Read 30 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 161 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Durham School of the Arts

    • Durham Public Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 250 reviews
    #4 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Alum: Durham School of the Arts (DSA) is the place that molded me into the person that I am today. The rigorous academics, exceptional teachers, diverse student body, excellent art programs and caring administration made this school the best in North Carolina. I attended DSA for my four years of high school, and I felt thoroughly prepared for college upon high school graduation. The school offers several opportunities for AP credit as well as for general college prep. Class sizes are typically small- generally below 25 students. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained. The bus transportation to and from school is well-managed and safe. There are great sports facilities on campus including an indoor and outdoor track, a soccer field, a baseball field, a gym with bleacher seating, tennis courts and a weight training gym. Classes begin at 9am contrary to many schools in the district that start much earlier. Overall, I could not imagine a better place to attend high school than DSA...Read 250 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,789 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Penn-Griffin School for the Arts

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 94 reviews
    #5 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: Penn Griffin is a wonderful school! The small class sizes give you a lot of room to really connect with the other students and staff. You are able to explore your interests in the right different arts offered, and with the range of clubs and diversity, you get to explore a lot about what makes you, YOU! We are very open towards a lot of different communities, including but not limited to the LGBTQ+ community, the many different religious communities, and we even help students with mental illnesses to make their learning experience a little easier. Each school year is better than the last, and nothing can take away the Penn Griffin Spirit!...Read 94 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 604 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Longleaf School of the Arts

    • Public School
    • RALEIGH, NC
    • 9-12
    • 23 reviews
    #6 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: Longleaf School of the Arts is an amazing college preparatory school that has a large emphasis on the arts. The school is very diverse and accepting, teachers are great, and the people that attend are super nice. One of the main things I enjoy about the school is the EC program. I have a learning disability, and this school has had the best EC program out of the many schools I have attended over the years. This is such a good school and I would not want to go anywhere else...Read 23 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 349 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Reynolds High School

    • Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 372 reviews
    #7 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Alum: RJ Reynolds was a great arts based school with a lot to offer it’s students. For someone like myself there where plenty or arts based classes to choose from, sadly I didn’t have enough room in my schedule to take them all! Plenty of the teachers were appropriately driven to teach their students, some however got away with an over exaggerated intense learning system that over stressed some students. I think like many schools the students don’t get enough say in how their learning environment should be. Like any growing school it had improvements to be made. Some of it was needing to update outdated books and technology and the overall clenliness of the school. I enjoyed my stay at the school nonetheless and couldn’t see myself having gone to any other school...Read 372 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,724 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Carolina Friends School

    • Private School
    • DURHAM, NC
    • PK, K-12
    • 28 reviews
    #8 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 501 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. The Oakwood School

    • Private School
    • GREENVILLE, NC
    • PK, K-12
    • 46 reviews
    #9 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: I've been attending Oakwood since sixth grade and have made so many friends. The teachers are all so nice and so understanding. Some also come to cheer on us at sports games. I think the WIFI should be fixed to provide students and teachers better WIFI, considering the students' tuitions increase by a lot each year...Read 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 394 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Lake Norman Christian School

    • Private School
    • HUNTERSVILLE, NC
    • K-12
    • 16 reviews
    #10 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Parent: Lake Norman Christian School gives its kids a quality, faith-based education in a caring and encouraging environment. The staff and teachers are wonderful. Our daughter's teacher is absolutely amazing and truly loves her students. The level of caring projects from everyone we encounter there. Equally important is the rigor of their curriculum and the ability to provide smaller class sizes for its students. A great environment all the way around!...Read 16 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 191 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Woodlawn School

    • Private School
    • MOORESVILLE, NC
    • K-12
    • 39 reviews
    #11 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Parent: Our family has been apart of the Woodlawn for 6 years. T?he experience is positive for all 3 of our children. When looking at a private school, you expect high academics, well-appointed facilities, bright peers, and top-notch teachers. W delivers on all of this. My children have become problem solvers, critical thinkers, global, and are immersed in a diverse community. W was built on core values educating the whole child, academically, emotionally and physically...The curriculum teaches all types of learners effectively. It isproject-based; challenging the youngest of minds, developing lifelong learners. Children learn in whole and small groups, and receive individual atten. The teachers are exceptional. Teaching beyond the classroom...Leadership has found a balance in being progressive- building on an 18-year tradition of excellence. There has been changes, but all have been positive and have not affected our educational experience...Woodlawn is FAMILY.Read 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 205 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Hickory Career and Arts Magnet School

    • Hickory City Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 21 reviews
    #12 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Parent: My experience at Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School is that it has been a fairly enjoyable experience, and I've been subjected and introduced to many great opportunities and people both teacher and student wise. Due to this school providing the opportunity to take college level classes with its academy programs, I've been able to look into specific careers that peak my interest and learn first hand what those careers entail. I was intrigued by their graphic design and photography academy which is what essentially led to my application to the school, and I'm currently enrolled into two photography classes this semester that will give me college credit. These classes have really prepared me for college life and allow me to know what to expect. I've also had amazing teachers that are invested in my future and have done as much possible to ensure I am successful. The friends I've made here will last a lifetime as well and I wouldn't have asked for a better high school experience...Read 21 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 170 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Arborbrook Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • MATTHEWS, NC
    • K-12
    • 47 reviews
    #13 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Alum: Arborbrook Christian Academy changed my life. Before attending Arborbrook, I went to public school where I struggled with reading and writing. Teachers did not seem to care and my grades started to plummet. That is when my parents decided to send me to Arborbrook. The small classroom sizes and incredible teachers helped me to understand what I was struggling with so that my grades could excel! After graduating, I can say full heartedly that I am prepared for college. Arborbrook has an outstanding faculty and staff and I have made friendships here that will last forever...Read 47 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 236 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. The Hawbridge School

    • Public School
    • SAXAPAHAW, NC
    • 4-12
    • 72 reviews
    #14 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: Hawbridge has outstanding teachers that provide a unique, engaging curriculum for their students. ¨Place-based education¨ allows the natural areas and businesses surrounding the school to be used as a learning resource. Things like sports, electives, and clubs continue to improve each year. This school is not for everyone -- some students thrive better in the traditional public school setting-- but I personally have had a very positive experience as a Hawbridge student. I look forward to seeing how the school grows with the addition of a new building...Read 72 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 302 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. The School for Creative Studies

    • Durham Public Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 29 reviews
    #15 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Alum: I loved being at this school. It has the weirdest and kindest people in it. This school is the exact opposite of the normal high school/middle school experience that is portrayed in movies. It's very relaxed. Being a student there, you are blessed with a very supportive environment...Read 29 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 597 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Cape Hatteras Secondary School

    • Dare County Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 12 reviews
    #16 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: Cape Hatteras Secondary School has more opportunities than expected for its students considering its small size, but still falls short in preparing those enrolled for college. While there is a guidance counselor and two employees specifically for student to reference if they have questions about anything during the application process, these advisors are shared with the two other high schools in Dare County. There is a bit of pressure for students to shoot low and to stay instate. However, dual enrollment classes through the College of the Albermarle are avalaoble to CHSS students in the junior or senior years of high school. ...In addition to COA classes, students may take online courses via North Carolina Virtual Public Schools and Apex Learning, which thankfully bridges the gap between this rural institution and more urban ones for many classes...Read 12 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 355 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Camelot Academy

    • Private School
    • DURHAM, NC
    • K-12
    • 8 reviews
    #17 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    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 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 124 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. School of Inquiry & Life Sciences

    • Asheville City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 65 reviews
    #18 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: This school has definitely been a large contributor to who I am today! As a Senior, looking back at how SILSA has shaped me and reminded me how important community is, I realize that I'll take that into the world and build some awesome professional relationships in the future. SILSA has a wonderful environment for friends (friends with teachers, classmates, administration, etc) and maintains that throughout all four years. My favorite things about SILSA include that environment, the ability to take ANY AB Tech class (within reason, we can't take the brewing classes, of course.), and the amazing, sometimes art-based core classes. I definitely think we have some space to improve in terms of certain teachers taking the "directing your own learning" promise a bit too far, but overall, it's a great place. Please send your children here...Read 65 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 328 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Oak Ridge Military Academy

    • Private School
    • OAK RIDGE, NC
    • 7-12
    • 5 reviews
    #19 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Parent: My son attended for two years and graduated in May 2021. He took the opportunities that came his way through leadership and additional character-building instruction. Not only did he have to complete his high school requirements, Oak Ridge Military Academy, as far as I know, is the only school that requires a student to be accepted to college to graduate. My son received offers from three colleges. We could not be more pleased with Oak Ridge Military Academy...Read 5 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Central Haywood High School

    • Haywood County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 1 review
    #20 Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina

    Senior: It is a great school! Would recommend to any student having difficulties at Pisgah or Tuscola. 1-2 teachers per subject, small class sizes. You'll love it.Read 1 Review

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Sponsored

    Southern Wake Academy

    • Public School
    • HOLLY SPRINGS, NC
    • 6-12
    • 88 reviews

    Senior: I like how Southern Wake Academy has a variety of classes of academics and great electives like Art, Spanish, Zoology, and many others!Read 88 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 803 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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