Charlotte, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The Charlotte metro area is experiencing a notable increase in private K-12 school enrollment, rising to 131,230 students for the upcoming school year, up from 126,768. This growth reflects a demand for quality education, highlighted by recent rankings from Niche. The rankings take into account factors such as college scores, diversity, and parent surveys. Notable schools in the area include Charlotte Preparatory School, which is set to open a new $13 million facility after a fire in 2023. The rise in enrollments underscores the commitment to educational excellence in Charlotte.
Charlotte
The Charlotte metro area is witnessing a significant increase in private K-12 school enrollment, with the number of students rising to 131,230 for the 2023-24 school year. This reflects a growth from the previous year when enrollment stood at 126,768. The surge in enrollment comes amidst updated rankings from Stacker, which highlights the top private schools in the region based on data from Niche.
Niche’s rankings utilize five crucial factors: top colleges score, college enrollment, culture and diversity grade, parent/student surveys, and student-teacher ratios. The rankings emphasize institutions that boast considerable enrollment numbers and high grades on the Niche platform. A total of 96 of North Carolina’s 881 private schools are located in Mecklenburg County, indicating a robust concentration of educational options for families in the area.
In the Charlotte metro area, the top private schools include:
| School Location | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio | Niche Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,947 | 9:1 | A+ |
| Concord, NC | 1,046 | 11:1 | A+ |
| Charlotte, NC | 1,738 | 8:1 | A+ |
| Davidson, NC | 524 | 8:1 | A+ |
| Charlotte, NC | 1,317 | 6:1 | A+ |
Further down the list, schools in Charlotte consistently rank at the top with several schools earning an A+ grade. This academic rating is accompanied by student-teacher ratios that are predominantly favorable, often reflecting 9:1 or 8:1 ratios, facilitating more personalized attention for students.
Among the many private institutions in Charlotte, the Charlotte Preparatory School is preparing for the opening of a new $13 million lower school set to launch on August 20. This follows the devastating destruction of its prior building in a fire in June 2023, which caused approximately $2.5 million in damages and led to the loss of two decades of school history.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation—though foul play has been ruled out—classes were temporarily relocated to modular units until the completion of the new building, designed to be approximately twice the size of the earlier structure. The newly constructed facility will include 11 classrooms catering to students from grades K-4, a dining hall, as well as designated areas for counseling and learning support.
This uptick in private school enrollments and the unveiling of new facilities reflect both the growing demand for private education in the Charlotte area and the commitment of these institutions to provide high-quality and diverse educational experiences for students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is driving the increase in private school enrollment in Charlotte?
The increase in private school enrollment in Charlotte can be attributed to various factors including parents seeking better educational options, the growth of highly-rated institutions in the area, and the expansion of school facilities to accommodate more students.
How are private K-12 schools in Charlotte ranked?
Private K-12 schools in Charlotte are ranked by Niche using five weighted factors: top colleges score, college enrollment, culture & diversity grade, parent/student surveys, and student-teacher ratio.
What happened to the Charlotte Preparatory School building?
The Charlotte Preparatory School building was destroyed in a fire in June 2023, which resulted in significant damages and the loss of historical records. A new facility is set to open in August 2024.
Key Features of Private K-12 Schools in Charlotte
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Growth | Increase from 126,768 (2022-23) to 131,230 (2023-24) in private schools in NC. |
| Top Schools in Charlotte | Schools continuously rank A+ with favorable student-teacher ratios. |
| Charlotte Preparatory School | New facility opening in August 2024 after fire devastation. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Private School Enrollment in Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Private School
- Stacker: Best Private K-12 Schools in Charlotte
- Google Search: Private Schools in Charlotte
- Axios: Private Schools in Charlotte Ranked by Tuition Cost
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WCCB Charlotte: AI-Powered Private School Opening
- Google News: Charlotte Private Schools
- Carolina Journal: Private School Contract Dispute
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
