January 15, 2024
If you’re moving to Charlotte for the first time or have kids nearing school age, you may be starting your search for the best private schools in Charlotte, NC. Do you go for a Montessori? A K-12? A private high school? Do you prefer a non-sectarian school, or a Christian school or other religiously affiliated school? What about teaching philosophies or accreditations? Student number? Teacher to student ratio?
As a parent, these decisions can feel very high-stakes, and we want to give you some information to make your search easier. We’ve put together a list of the best private schools in Charlotte based on ratings from Niche (which compiles data on all schools in the country) and College Transitions (which evaluates schools based on college readiness). Take a look at these private schools’ descriptions, locations, and philosophies and start making a list of what places feel like they could be a good fit for you and your kid. Then, it’s time to take some tours and consider applying. Let’s get started.
What Are The Top Ranked Private Schools In Charlotte?
1) Providence Day School
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Neighborhood: Lansdowne
- Grades served: PK-12
- Student number: 1,863
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1
When it comes to private schools in Charlotte, Providence Day School rounds out the top of most lists. Niche ranks at as the #1 private school, best college prep high school, and best K-12 private school in Charlotte. In fact, it’s considered among the top K-12 private schools in all of North Carolina. It’s also one of the more diverse private schools in Charlotte, with over 35% students of color. The school values include learning, social responsibility, and personal integrity.
2) Charlotte Country Day School
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Neighborhood: Governor’s Square
- Grades served: PK-12
- Student number: 1,738
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1
Charlotte Country Day School also wins regular accolades as an outstanding private school and is ranked as the #2 private school in Charlotte. It’s described as mission-driven, with the goal of shaping confident, well-rounded adults who contribute to the world around them.
3) Charlotte Latin School
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Neighborhood: Piper Glen Estates
- Grades served: K-12
- Student number: 1,469
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1
Charlotte Latin School is considered the best private high school for STEM in Charlotte. Set on 128 acres of land, Charlotte Latin School is home to one of only seven certified K-12 FAB labs in the US – a digital fabrication lab that’s part of an MIT educational outreach program.
4) Charlotte Christian School
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Neighborhood: Stonehaven
- Grades served: PK-12
- Student number: 1,134
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Charlotte Christian School is a nondenominational Christian school that ranks highly for rigorous college preparation and student outcomes. The school professes to deliver their academics through a Bible-based perspective.
5) Cannon School
- Location: Concord, NC
- Grades served: PK-12
- Student number: 1,003
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1
Cannon School focuses on nurturing relationships that encourage students to grow, with a focus on character education alongside their academics, arts, and athletics programs. Cannon School is ranked in Niche’s top 5 private high schools in Charlotte.
6) Gaston Day School
- Location: Gastonia, NC
- Grades served: PK-12
- Student number: 505
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1
Gaston Day School is also in Niche’s top 5 private K-12 schools in Charlotte, with a much smaller student enrollment. Along with a strong academic record, they have award-winning arts programs and innovative science teams.
7) Woodlawn School
- Location: Mooresville, NC
- Grades served: PK-12
- Student number: 212
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:1
Woodlawn School is a unique private school in the Charlotte area, with a project-based learning philosophy and emphasis on environmental sustainability. With only 212 students, the school focuses on creating independent, life-long learners.
Finding The Right Private School Near You
These private schools in Charlotte are a good place to get started. And if you still don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, there are other choices – like Anami Montessori, if you prefer a Montessori or preschool-focused institution. Or if you’re looking for private schools with other religious affiliations, there’s St. Anne Catholic School, Charlotte Islamic Academy, and Charlotte Jewish Day School, to name a few. If you’re just moving into the area, take a look at our list of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte to explore what location is right for you and your family. Regardless, this list will help you start to get a feel for what to expect from private schools in Charlotte, so when it comes time to make the big decision, you know what you want.
