For the 2026 school year, there are 188 public schools serving 136,782 students in Charlotte, NC (there are 83 private schools, serving 13,343 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Charlotte, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Charlotte, NC are Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy, Providence High School and Providence Spring Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charlotte, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Charlotte have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Charlotte, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 98%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
5225 Seventy-seven Center Dr
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Gr: K-8 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #22.
Providence High School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1800 Pineville-matthews Rd
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-5390
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-5390
Gr: 9-12 | 2,167 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
Providence Spring Elementary School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10045 Providence Church Ln
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6935
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6935
Gr: K-5 | 586 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
Ardrey Kell High School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10220 Ardrey Kell Road
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0860
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0860
Gr: 9-12 | 3,036 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Polo Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
11830 Tom Short Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0749
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0749
Gr: PK-5 | 634 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Hawk Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9201 Bryant Farms Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5927
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5927
Gr: PK-5 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #77.
Jay M. Robinson Middle School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5925 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6944
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6944
Gr: 6-8 | 1,333 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #88.
Char Eng Early College-uncc
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9000 Robert Snyder Rd
Charlotte, NC 28262
(980) 343-9898
Charlotte, NC 28262
(980) 343-9898
Gr: 9-13 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #99.
Highland Mill Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3201 Clemson Ave
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-5525
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-5525
Gr: PK-6 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #1010.
Selwyn Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2840 Colony Rd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 343-5835
Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 343-5835
Gr: K-5 | 669 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #1111.
Rea Farms Steam Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11532 Golf Links Drive
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0723
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0723
Gr: K-8 | 1,098 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #1212.
Myers Park High School
Magnet School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2400 Colony Rd
Charlotte, NC 28209
(980) 343-5800
Charlotte, NC 28209
(980) 343-5800
Gr: 9-12 | 3,225 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1313.
Sharon Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4330 Foxcroft Rd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 343-6725
Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 343-6725
Gr: K-5 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #1414.
Beverly Woods Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6001 Quail Hollow Rd
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-3627
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-3627
Gr: K-5 | 645 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1515.
Elon Park Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11425 Ardrey Kell Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-1440
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-1440
Gr: K-5 | 732 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #1616.
Community House Middle School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
9500 Community House Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0689
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0689
Gr: 6-8 | 1,425 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #1717.
Telra Institute
Charter School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4150 Mckee Rd
Charlotte, NC 28270
(704) 727-2530
Charlotte, NC 28270
(704) 727-2530
Gr: K-9 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #1818.
Mckee Road Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4101 Mckee Rd
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-3970
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-3970
Gr: PK-5 | 534 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1919.
Olde Providence Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3800 Rea Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
(980) 343-3755
Charlotte, NC 28226
(980) 343-3755
Gr: K-5 | 687 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #2020.
Dilworth Elementary School Latta Campus
(Math: 77% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
405 E. Park Ave
Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 343-2240
Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 343-2240
Gr: 3-5 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2121.
Williams Secondary Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2400 Carmine St
Charlotte, NC 28206
(980) 343-0040
Charlotte, NC 28206
(980) 343-0040
Gr: 7-12 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #2222.
Irwin Academic Center
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
329 N. Irwin Ave
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5480
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5480
Gr: K-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Ballantyne Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
15425 Scholastic Dr
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0413
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-0413
Gr: K-5 | 745 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Randolph Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4400 Water Oak Rd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 343-6700
Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 343-6700
Gr: 6-8 | 1,215 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #2525.
Piedmont Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1241 E 10th St
Charlotte, NC 28204
(980) 343-5435
Charlotte, NC 28204
(980) 343-5435
Gr: 6-8 | 1,108 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #2626.
East Mecklenburg High School
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6800 Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC 28212
(980) 343-6430
Charlotte, NC 28212
(980) 343-6430
Gr: 9-12 | 2,422 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
Charlotte Teacher Early College
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9000 Robert D. Snyder Rd
Charlotte, NC 28262
(980) 343-9898
Charlotte, NC 28262
(980) 343-9898
Gr: 9-13 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
Charlotte-mecklenburg Virtual School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7030 Nations Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28217
(980) 343-3066
Charlotte, NC 28217
(980) 343-3066
Gr: 5-12 | 619 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #2929.
Northwest School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1415 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5500
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5500
Gr: 6-12 | 993 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Chantilly Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
701 Briar Creek Rd
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-0692
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-0692
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Lincoln Heights Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1900 New Castle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9442
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9442
Gr: PK-6 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #3232.
South Charlotte Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8040 Strawberry Ln
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-3670
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-3670
Gr: 6-8 | 770 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #3333.
Palisades Park Elementary School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
15321 York Rd
Charlotte, NC 28278
(980) 343-9895
Charlotte, NC 28278
(980) 343-9895
Gr: K-5 | 940 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #3434.
Eastover Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Cherokee Rd
Charlotte, NC 28207
(980) 343-5505
Charlotte, NC 28207
(980) 343-5505
Gr: K-5 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #3535.
Bain Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
11540 Bain School Rd
Charlotte, NC 28227
(980) 343-6915
Charlotte, NC 28227
(980) 343-6915
Gr: PK-5 | 766 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Charlotte, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Charlotte, NC include Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy, Providence High School and Providence Spring Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Charlotte?
188 public schools are located in Charlotte.
What percentage of students in Charlotte go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Charlotte are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Charlotte?
Charlotte public schools minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Charlotte are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Charlotte include: Providence High School vs. Ardrey Kell High School, Charlotte-mecklenburg Academy vs. Metro School, Mcclintock Middle School vs. Randolph Middle School
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