2023 Best Schools Offering AP Courses in the Charlotte Area

• 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

• 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

• Gastonia, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  116 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 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  453 reviews

Senior: I had and still am having an amazing experience at Marvin Ridge High School. My fellow peers, teachers, and staff at Marvin have been accepting of all people that attend Marvin Ridge High school. I would know because I am Greek Orthodox at a school with majority of the students being Catholic or atheist and I feel at home. Marvin has allowed me to discover and have so many amazing opportunity's which is why my experience was overall great!... Read 453 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,929

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  689 reviews

Senior: Ardrey Kell has an exceptional academic program, offering an exceptional variety of honors and AP classes for all students with different interests. The school is also very diverse. Every race and ethnicity is found within the student body, administration, and custodial service and staff. Clubs and events are held to make everyone feel accepted and included. There are even non binary bathrooms for those with unique gender qualities. I love the school honestly. I genuinely feel like I'm apart of a family there. Teachers and staff are always willing to help and listen when needed. I also am always pushed and encouraged to reach my full potential daily!... Read 689 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,437

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  397 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 397 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,756

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Gaston County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  237 reviews

Sophomore: I love being a part of the Rams family. HST has a wide range of sports, clubs, and social outings. They give every opportunity for students to get involved on and off campus. The staff is wonderful, every teacher I’ve had goes to great lengths to make sure the whole class can understand and apply the concepts that they teach. They usually offer after/before school tutoring and plenty of extra credit opportunities. Everything about my experience at Highland Tech has been wonderful. Currently, I’m a part of 7 extracurriculars and loving every single one. The classes are definitely more challenging, and typically have a heavier work load, so if you have difficulty with time management, HST may not be for you. It would also be beneficial to you to get involved. I didn’t realize what a difference it would make in my freshman year. Going to HST rather than my feeder school was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my academic career, and I recommend you do the same. Go Rams!... Read 237 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 555

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Huntersville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  271 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 271 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,207

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  163 reviews

Senior: I’ve attended CATA for 3 years now and I am currently a senior. Everything about this school is great. Everyone feels welcome and there’s one thing this school has that others don’t. A chance to peruse specific career oriented class such as engineering, auto tech, computer science, and medical. All of which prepare you for a future in each career path. The teachers are great as well and are some of the nicest teachers I’ve ever met. Another thing CATA has those most public don’t have is zero bullies. In all my time at CATA I’ve never seen any sign of bullying unlike other public schools. This is what makes this school great!... Read 163 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 843

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Mooresville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  40 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 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 212

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Davidson, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  69 reviews

Parent: Davidson Day School's faculty of highly educated, experienced, dedicated and compassionate individuals is apparent in the high-quality and high-caliber students that it graduates each year. The list of colleges, universities and academies that the graduates are accepted to each year is impressive! The opportunities for real-world learning and experience is unmatched.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Matthews, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  105 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 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 990

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: Our experience has been outstanding! During our first visit to campus, all of the staff were very welcoming and made adjustments to ensure our kids felt comfortable and engaged. During the last two years each one our our kids has made strong connections with the faculty and their teachers. Our Middle School student made the comment that his math teacher is very nice, but challenges the students. All of our kids are finding their way socially by building relationships with their classmates in class and through activities outside of class. They have been able to explore their faith and strengthen their values through classroom instruction, chapel, and a variety of events and clubs on campus. It is exciting to know that all of our focus at home on character and building a relationship with Christ is reinforcing throughout their day at school.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,134

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Mooresville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  132 reviews

Junior: I joined Pine Lake Preparatory this year and my experience had been wonderful! This school has classes that allow me to explore my interests in art+animation and in STEM! This was really exciting to me, and currently, the school is looking to add more semester-long choices for students to explore their interests. The academics are fairly good and the school offers a large selection of AP courses. The experiences I've had with my teachers have been good, I've been able to communicate my needs with them over email, and if I need to meet with one of them about something I've been able to arrange that. In terms of diversity, the school reflects the demographics of the six counties it pulls from. Racially, most of the students are white, but there are a variety of socioeconomic statuses, and there are some clubs for minority students. In terms of student organizations, there are plenty, I'm a member of several, including the robotics team! This school is great and I'm glad to be here.... Read 132 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,877

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: Going to Charlotte Engineering Early College is a privilege. How the school works is, you take 4 classes each semester for freshmen and sophomore year. Earning majority of your high school credits through those first two years. Since the school is more focused on earning college credit, they don’t offer sports you have to do that through your homeschool. They also don’t offer electives. For the early college the elective would be considered the engineering class and the computer science class. Then in junior year you get to take college classes, and only one high school class. You have a lot of freedom out on campus. Kids that go to early college save a lot of money. You get two years worth of free college, because the school also offers a 13th year which is earning free college classes. The 13th year is optional. Depending on the college you go to sometimes the credits transfer and sometimes they don’t. Overall I 10/10 would recommend Charlotte Engineering Early College.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• Students 318

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  460 reviews

Senior: Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina is a high-performing and well-respected school that has a lot to offer students. Myers Park High School has a rigorous and challenging academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school offers a wide range of advanced placement (AP) courses, as well as honors and elective classes, to meet the needs of all students. Extracurricular activities: Myers Park High School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, drama, and clubs and organizations, which provide students with opportunities to pursue their interests and develop new skills. Supportive community: Myers Park High School has a supportive and inclusive community that values diversity . The school has a dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to helping students succeed, both academically and personally.... Read 460 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,593

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  395 reviews

Senior: Cuthbertson High School is one of the best high schools in North Carolina! This school offers many opportunities for college readiness through rigorous curriculums, activities, clubs, and a variety of AP classes and dual-enrollment classes. Cuthbertson is a wonderful high school experience with the kindest students and staff.... Read 395 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,929

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Davidson, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  73 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 73 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,430

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  452 reviews

Senior: Overall my experience was better than most. I had good teachers, friends, options, staff, classes, opportunities, clubs. Some things that I liked are the nurse, special education staff, the amount and variability of classes and clubs you can be apart of, the technology available, the sciences classes and teachers, panther paws, morning announcements, cans drive, availability for touring, athletics. Some things I would like to have improve would be the chemistry and foreign language department teaching methods, the junior paper, seating and room for lunch, bullying in general, the bathrooms, cleanliness and safety of the school, homework load, how every class and teacher gives tests on the same days, the heating and cooling extreme variances, acceptance and time to use the bathroom, and for the councilors to work more closely with students.... Read 452 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,003

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  532 reviews

Senior: Other students may not have like it, but I found my time at Nafo very fun and very entertaining. The classes and teachers were fun and I was always able to have somewhere to go if I needed to study. Although there is no such thing as a perfect school, Nation Ford was close enough to it in my opinion. I feel that if they want to make the school better they would extend the lunch lines or find ways to have the senior have more privileges than I did! But all around I enjoyed it and I wish I could come back, but my time as a Falcon is over and it is time for me to go off into the world!... Read 532 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,733

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fort Mill School District, SC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  503 reviews

Senior: I really enjoy Fort Mill High School's school spirit. I think that all of the students really feel connected to each other and have great pride in their school. However, I think the school could be better in their communication with the students. They tend to only communicate with the parents instead of actually sending the information to the students themselves. This can be very frustrating for students, as many parents are not involved and do not check their email. I think they also need to do a better job of preparing seniors for applying to college. The school does not host their college application meeting until October of students' senior year. At that point, most people had already started submitting applications. The meeting should have been in the spring when people would have actually found it helpful.... Read 503 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,995

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Matthews, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  76 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 76 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,131

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  220 reviews

Sophomore: It is my second year at Hough now, and I love it. It is a beautiful campus with amazing staff. The teachers are very well educated and super helpful, not only do they care about our education they are about our mental health and athletics. Athletics is a HUGE part of our school, football game are so much fun by having themes and having teachers come out to game, the band is playing music and our football team is great. I appreciate how much the teachers care about our academics and athletics. I do want one thing to change, I think the teachers should be more educated on mental health in more than a “Go talk to your counselor” way. They should get proper education from some of the psychology teachers or other psychologists. That would do wonders for some of the kids. I also think that we are really working towards having everyone play a role in our school growth, we’ve all come together as a community to help other kids in our school and it is so amazing!... Read 220 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,485

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Huntersville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  65 reviews

Parent: My son transferred in 8th grade (he is now a Sophomore) after growing frustrated with the over-crowding and disruptive behavior in the public schools. He craved a more intimate environment and was immediately welcomed by his new classmates. We found his new friends to be exceptionally well mannered and respectful. We have found the teachers to be very committed to their faith and education. There is a strong Christian foundation and the school does a good job not only providing a good academic curriculum but also a good focus on developing good character. The school is very responsive and supportive to the kids and families (it took me a while to get used to dealing with people with common sense and friendliness-I had forgotten that was possible). We have found the school to provide the type of education, we all want for our kids, without an elitist feel and the comfort of knowing we are teaching our kids about school, life and faith!... Read 65 reviews

• grade A

• Students 618

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  32 reviews

Parent: We absolutely love everything about this school from the caring staff and teachers to the quality of education. The small school environment is perfect for my child who was initially very shy and nervous about being in school. We now have a bright and capable student with many friends and the school definitely played a role. We look forward to the rest of our time here.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A

• Students 225

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1