As a realtor, I understand why people ask the question about schools. Who doesn’t want to ensure their child attends a school that best prepares them for life after school? So today, the team here at Robin Hickman Realty created a list of the top 10 best-performing public schools in the Charlotte, NC, area.
Our goal was to create a list that is particularly helpful for families looking to move to the area, as it highlights not only academic performance but also crucial factors that make each school stand out from extracurricular activities and why it is ranked so highly!
10 Best Public Schools in Charlotte, NC
While we are not education experts, we used several metrics to help us create this list for those looking to move into or around Charlotte and wanting to learn more about the schools. Keep reading to learn about the ten best schools and information about each local school district!
1. Providence High School
Consistently one of the highest-performing schools in the state, Providence High School excels in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-enrollment programs, helping students prepare for college.
- Key highlights: High graduation rate, exceptional SAT/ACT scores, and various extracurricular activities. Alumni to Antwan Jamison, UNC basketball alumnus, 2x NBA All-Star!
- Great for: Families focused on a solid academic foundation with diverse extracurricular opportunities.
2. Ardrey Kell High School
Ardrey Kell is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, offering a broad selection of AP and honors courses. One of the largest schools in the state, it ranks in the top 10 annually amongst all North Carolina high schools. Ardrey Kell sports highly engaged parents and the community contributes to its overall success.
- Key highlights: Strong focus on STEM education, competitive sports programs, and high test scores.
- Great for: Families prioritizing a balanced approach to academics, sports, and community involvement.
3. South Academy of International Languages (SAIL)
South Academy of International Languages, formerly known as E. E. Waddell Language Academy and SAIL, is a public K-8 magnet school in Charlotte, North Carolina, that focuses on 100 percent language immersion for French, Japanese, German, or Mandarin.
- Key highlights: Unique language programs, strong academic performance, and a multicultural environment.
- Great for: Families looking for early language immersion and a global education.
4. Myers Park High School
Myers Park High School is one of the largest and most diverse high schools in North Carolina. The school has over 3,600 students and it offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is highly regarded for its academic rigor. The school has a unique campus with multiple buildings and wings such as the visual arts center, the aquaponics building, and the social science building.
- Key highlights: Strong IB program, high college acceptance rates, and a wide range of clubs and sports.
- Great for: Families interested in a diverse learning environment with global academic standards.
5. Elizabeth Lane Elementary School
Located at 121 Elizabeth Ln, Matthews, NC 28105, Elizabeth Lane is known for its nurturing environment and strong academic foundation in elementary school. The school places a strong emphasis on literacy and early childhood education.
- Key highlights: Exceptional test scores, dedicated teachers, and a strong focus on early education fundamentals.
- Great for: Families with young children who prioritize early academic success.
6. Davidson Elementary School
Located in the charming town of Davidson, this school consistently scores above state averages in academic performance. It’s known for its small class sizes and personalized attention to students and is regarded as one of the nicest areas around Charlotte!
- Key highlights: Strong academic performance, close-knit community, and emphasis on personalized learning.
- Great for: Families looking for a small-town feel with high academic standards.
7. South Charlotte Middle School
South Charlotte Middle is known for its strong academic performance, especially in math and science. The school also emphasizes character development and leadership skills, and it sits in one of Charlotte’s ideal areas for living, working, and loving!
- Key highlights: High test scores, strong math and science programs, and leadership-focused extracurricular activities.
- Great for: Families looking for a well-rounded middle school experience focusing on academics and personal growth.
8. Community House Middle School
Community House Middle is renowned for academic excellence and various extracurricular activities. The school emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, however, it also promotes a well rounded schooling approach for students.
- Key highlights: Strong academic performance, various clubs and activities, and a supportive community.
- Great for: Families seeking a balance between academics and extracurricular engagement for middle school students.
9. Hawk Ridge Elementary School
Hawk Ridge offers a solid academic curriculum paired with a focus on student well-being. The school promotes positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), which helps create a safe and positive learning environment and has a strong community presence.
- Key highlights: High academic performance, focus on student well-being, and strong parent involvement.
- Great for: Families looking for a school with a focus on both academics and a positive, supportive school culture.
10. Cotswold Elementary School
Cotswold Elementary offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP), which encourages students to think critically and independently. The school fosters a love for learning and a global perspective from an early age, making it a popular school choice for parents with elementary school-aged students.
- Key highlights: IB program for younger students, strong academic performance, and a focus on global education.
- Great for Families interested in an early introduction to the IB program and a global outlook.
Why Consider These Schools and How We Ranked Them:
If you want our viewpoint as it pertains to schools, we say you should start with what your family values the most. Whether it is a well-rounded schooling experience or a STEM-heavy approach, education can mean something different to everyone.
When crafting this list, we aimed to include academics, community, and various programs to formulate the top spots! There are over 200 schools in the area, so narrowing it down to the best schools is challenging. However, each of the schools mentioned above as well as many others in the area, are known for:
- Academic Performance: These schools consistently rank at the top regarding test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future educational challenges.
- Community Engagement: Parent involvement and community support are critical factors in the success of these schools. Families moving to Charlotte will find welcoming and active communities in these areas.
- Diverse Programs: Whether it’s language immersion, STEM focus, or the IB program, these schools offer a wide range of specialized programs that cater to different learning styles and interests.
When considering a move to or within Charlotte, these schools should be on your radar if you’re looking for high academic standards and a supportive environment for your children. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban settings, and these schools are situated in neighborhoods known for their safety, family-friendliness, and access to amenities.
As realtors in the area, we know that purchasing a home goes beyond what you buy on the inside; it also includes the value of the schooling and community outside your home. Charlotte is ideal for many families because of their top-notch schools, especially in the city’s suburbs!
✅For more information and school rankings, be sure to visit USN Best Schools here.
School Districts In & Around Charlotte:
Several school districts serve the Charlotte, NC, area, each covering different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Each has its pros and cons, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg is the largest of all the local school districts, whereas the Lincoln school district serves the more rural areas outside of Charlotte.
Below is a brief overview of each school district in and around Charlotte, NC:
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)
- The largest and most prominent school district in the area, CMS serves the city of Charlotte and the surrounding Mecklenburg County. It includes many urban and suburban schools and offers various programs, including magnet schools, International Baccalaureate (IB), and STEM-focused schools.
- 175 Schools
- Union County Public Schools (UCPS)
- Located southeast of Charlotte, Union County Public Schools serves the suburban and rural communities of Union County. The district is known for its strong academic performance and rapid growth due to the area’s increasing population.
- 50 Schools
- Cabarrus County Schools
- Northeast of Charlotte, Cabarrus County Schools serves Concord, Harrisburg, and surrounding areas. The district is known for its focus on technology and innovation in education.
- Over 40 Schools
- Gaston County Schools
- Located west of Charlotte, Gaston County Schools serves the cities of Gastonia, Belmont, and surrounding areas in Gaston County. The district emphasizes college and career readiness and has strong community ties.
- Over 50 Schools
- Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Serving the northern part of the Charlotte metro area, including the cities of Statesville and Mooresville, this district covers Iredell County. It’s known for its strong focus on STEM education and career and technical education programs.
- 30 Total Schools
- Lincoln County Schools
- Overview: West of Charlotte, Lincoln County Schools serves the communities in Lincoln County, including Lincolnton and Denver. The district is smaller and more rural, with a strong emphasis on community and traditional values.
- 20 Total schools
