2024 Best Schools in Charlotte

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  65 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 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,903

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  42 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 42 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,738

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  89 reviews

Alum: CLS prepared me so well for college. I attended a top university and felt like the transition from high school to a rigorous college environment was smooth––if not easier than my high school workload. The faculty at CLS invest in the students and encourage the value of learning more than perfection and top grades. I regularly keep in touch with old teachers and coaches, which not many of my non-CLS friends relate to. While diversity is historically lacking, the DEI office is spectacular and led by inspiring individuals who seek to make Latin a more inclusive place. The only negative comments I have in regard to my CLS experience relate to the parents of students. I never encountered high school bullies in my peers, but some of the parents of my peers were weirdly over-invested in their children's social lives and college "competition." However, I have found that CLS students hold one another to high standards of moral character, honor, and respect. I truly loved my time at Latin!... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,481

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  712 reviews

Senior: I loved the experience of being a student at Ardrey Kell high school. The staff- consisting of administrators, educators, counselors, and the janitorial team all work hard to provide the best experience to the school. Great quality education is offered to students who want to achieve not only their high school diploma, but challenge themselves and enrich their minds through honors and AP ( Advanced Placement) programs/classes. We have teachers willing to give time to help students through tutoring and extra practice with additional help in the mornings before school starts. We have a creative and talented student body government that also helps in creating a fun time for students through organized fundraisers, athletic games, school themes for spirit week and pep rallys. Ardrey Kell Highscool is known for its top education offers here in NC and definitely lives up to its name!... Read 712 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,494

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  15 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 15 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 4.08 out of 5  410 reviews

Senior: The four years I've spent at Weddington High School have been exciting, rewarding, inspiring, and fulfilling. The school environment is inviting and safe, which has become one of my greatest priorities over the past few years. I have found teachers that actively motivate me to improve and friends that allow me to be the best version of myself. Like many big schools, however, it is easy to feel small or unseen, especially in social contexts. I feel that Weddington could improve by integrating more team-building and social activities/events into the extracurricular schedule to build a closer bond between all types of students. From here, students can be more eager to attend school, allowing them to perform better academically, socially, and mentally.... Read 410 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,844

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Davidson, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: I love Davidson Day. It is so helpful in the college process and really gets you prepared for life. It has done so much for me in terms of growth and has brought me so much joy in terms of the love and Carew the teachers show during your time during high school. They always know what they are doing and never fail to rise to the occasion. Davidson Day has done a great job with me and my peers education and has always been willing to go the extra mile. Davidson day has great leadership and core values that will stick with me for the rest of my life!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  173 reviews

Junior: I’ve been attending CATA for three years now and I’ve never been happier at a school before! The teachers are all amazing; they’re all so supportive, engaging, and teach incredibly well. On top of that, the environment itself is very comfortable. It’s a very diverse school where everyone can express themselves freely without judgment and I really appreciate the open atmosphere at CATA. Though we may not have the best athletics (which I personally don’t have much interest in as it is), our school is very competitive in terms of academics. I feel like I’m actually somewhat challenged here which I’m personally very grateful for. CATA definitely isn’t your typical public school and I’d recommend it to anybody who has interest in going.... Read 173 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 6-8

• grade A+

• Students 839

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  26 reviews

Senior: I want to start off by saying that Charlotte Engineering Early College, also known as CEEC, has given me an amazing opportunity that I will forever cherish. The teachers and faculty are all so invested in the students. CEEC has allowed many students, such as myself, to earn various kinds of college credits through UNC Charlotte. That being said, I would love for the CEEC teachers to have a more thorough conversation about potential pathways. One such example would be informing students that many engineering classes will not be offered until they actually enroll in UNC Charlotte. Being more realistic with students would help them immensely in the long run. Even though CEEC could better prepare students, the opportunity handed to them is such a blessing. Students who go there with the intention to succeed will be given such an opportunity. CEEC is not your typical high school experience, but it offers an opportunity like no other.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 299

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Concord, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  89 reviews

Senior: My experience at Cannon School was very fun. There are so many wonderful things to do here - the campus is gorgeous when the sun's out, our student community is very lively and driven, and I like how Cannon has many resources for students in all areas - academic, personal, extracurricular, and more. I think that Cannon School could improve on some things - like our tutoring program - but the good thing is that efforts are already being made to improve that and other things. Cannon School is constantly changing for the better, and our students are top-notch. It's a great place to be at.... Read 89 reviews

• grade A

• Students 990

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  122 reviews

Alum: Charlotte Christian School has made a lifelong impact on both me and my family. Starting as a student from 1996 - 2003 for middle through upper school and staying involved as an alum, the teachers and leaders at Charlotte Christian shaped me from a young age and continue to make an impact on my life today. Additionally, I have two nieces who started in Junior Kindergarten and have been students at CCS for ten years. It is special watching from an outside perspective the impact the school is having on their lives and continues to make a difference for generations. The school has incredible academics, arts, athletics, and most importantly, focuses on God. I am so blessed to have attended Charlotte Christian School for 7 years and still be able to experience so many special blessings as a part of the CCS community to this day!... Read 122 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,239

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Matthews, NC•

• Public School•

• K-9

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  19 reviews

Middle School Student: After reading some of these reviews it is absolutely absurd that you would think this isn't the best school you could send your kid to. Not only is it academically the best school I've ever seen, not only does it have the best teacher student relationships I've seen but it also has the least amount of bullying in maybe every school in the nation. Bullying is far from tolerated and the most I've seen is name calling. With that to quote another review I saw that said teacher leave so often be cause it's terrible, they actually leave often because most Greek teachers on are visa's to teach in the United States they're not leaving because they hate it they're leaving because they legally are required to. I've never seen a school that consistently graduates kids smarter than you can imagine. To even think that this school isn't a too school is the nation is blasphemy. The only thing that isn't top notch in the school is the sports probably because they're too busy making your kids smarter... Read 19 reviews

• grade A

• Students 824

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Matthews, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  106 reviews

Parent: Covenant Day School has been a wonderful blessing to our family. The school community, faculty, and students hold true to a biblical worldview, academic excellence, and servant mentality. We deeply appreciate the school providing our children with such a Christ-centered approach. The main reason we chose CDS is having a desire for our children to learn the Bible to its core and apply it to all areas of their life. The teachers have a heart for God and their work. Our daughter every year says, I have the best teacher this year! But really, they all are the best. The leaders are unmatched, and despite all they have going on, they always make time for parents and students and never make you feel like like are too busy. The admissions office, is incredibly organized and also very personal, and knows each child by name and really knows them! We are honored and thrilled to be a part of the Covenant Day School Community.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,029

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Huntersville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  274 reviews

Alum: I spent eight years at LNC and made great friends and even greater memories. The sporting events are always fun to attend, especially with the Knightmare student section. The majority of teachers are amazing and you have many opportunities to take AP and Dual Enrollment courses. They also have a great lunch program where you can order from places like Chik-Fil-A and Panda Express. The only thing I didn’t enjoy with LNC was how everyone had their own social group that they always stuck with. Overall, I enjoyed my time at LNC and I will forever be a Knight!... Read 274 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,209

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Mooresville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  41 reviews

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 41 reviews

• grade A

• Students 212

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Cabarrus County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  102 reviews

Junior: I had applied and made the decision to come to Early College due to the education opportunities that came with it. No doubt, having the opportunity to achieve an associate degree by the time I graduate high school is phenomenal. On the down side, I had to work through the most academic-related stress I have ever been through (and hopefully ever will). I endured dark thoughts and poor mental health for the sake of my school. In turn, I received outstanding opportunities and a lack of student loans. Now that I moved past my sophomore year (the most challenging bit), I think that every tear, every ounce of frustration I had was completely worth it. Early College is not for everybody but if you are up for the challenge, I urge anyone to give it their best shot!... Read 102 reviews

• grade A

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Davidson, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  77 reviews

Senior: Community School of Davidson has the best teachers I have ever had, they truly care about you and they go out of their way to help you. For example I had emailed a teacher at 10:30 pm, and I didn't want or expect them to get back to me that night but sure enough at 11 pm they did. The learning style here is something I have never experienced, in that they don't have test ever week and in a history class I had we look at a war that happened and got articles from both countries that were involved to see how they both blamed each other. But the other students are nice, but most of the students have been there since preschool so they take our school for granted. Also the students there are 85% well off, which isn't a bad thing but there just isn't a diversity of wealth or race. Overall CSD is a good school and they try their best!... Read 77 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

• grade A

• Students 747

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Matthews, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  81 reviews

Parent: We have been a CCS family now for 7 years and are thrilled to be starting our 8th year at this wonderful school. It is truly like a family whether you are in K or 12th grade. The administrative staff is so friendly, helpful and encouraging, and the teachers are all committed to providing a top-notch Christian education. During Covid, they went above and beyond with the hand they were dealt and jumped right in with flexibility, adaptiveness, etc. We can't recommend it enough!... Read 81 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,143

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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 5 out of 5  2 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 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,047

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1