For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,050 students in 28202, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 652 private students). 76% of all K-12 students in 28202, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28202, NC are Irwin Academic Center, First Ward Creative Arts Academy and Metro School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28202 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28202, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28202, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
First Ward Creative Arts Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
715 N. Caldwell St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5485
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5485
Gr: K-5 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #33.
Metro School
Special Education School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
405 S Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5450
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5450
Gr: PK-12 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28202, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28202, NC include Irwin Academic Center, First Ward Creative Arts Academy and Metro School.
How many public schools are located in 28202?
3 public schools are located in 28202.
What percentage of students in 28202 go to public school?
76% of all K-12 students in 28202 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28202?
28202 public schools minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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