Best schools in Charlotte

For parents, finding the best school in Charlotte for their children is a crucial decision. In Charlotte, however, there are a number of top-rated public and private schools available for the choosing. Here's a rundown of the top-rated public and private schools in Charlotte.

Best private schools in Charlotte

Durham Academy

Touting itself as an independent, college preparatory day school, Durham Academy serves students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. For the current school year of 2017-2018, there are 1,231 students total, 36 percent of whom are students of color. Durham Academy also has geographic diversity as students from Durham, Chapel Hill, Wake County and the Triangle area are among the student population.

Charlotte Country Day School

Also known as an independent private school, Charlotte Country Day School has been serving the greater Charlotte community since its founding in 1941. An average of 1,600 children are enrolled at any given time, from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. The school's highlights includes an office of diversity planning, structured after-school program and comprehensive international studies program.

Providence Day School

Providence Day School has been creating academic excellence with its pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students for more than 50 years. Providence Day is especially committed to creating socially responsible global leaders of their students, which is emphasized in course offerings. A global studies diploma is offered at the school, the first of its type in the country.

Best public schools in Charlotte

Bain Elementary School

Founded more than 120 years ago in the Mint Hill area of Charlotte, Bain Elementary Schooltoday continues the legacy of founder John Bain. In the years since its founding, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school grew from a small size to the more than 1,000 students it has now. Two buildings are housed on the school's campus: the Early Learning Academy for kindergarten students only and a newer facility built in 2013 for the first- to fifth-grade students.

Cotswold Elementary

Yet another school within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district, Cotswold Elementary is an award-winning elementary school. In addition to being named a Magnet School of Excellence and National School of Character in 2011, Cotswold also received the recognition of being named an International Baccalaureate World School, offering the primary years program. All students at Cotswold wear uniforms daily.

Northwest School of the Arts

For artistically inclined students in grades 6-12 in Charlotte, Northwest School of the Arts is a burgeoning creative community and safe haven for artistic growth. Dance, music, piano, costume design, visual arts and theater are emphasized in the school's curriculum. Northwest School of the Arts has an average of 984 students, split between middle and high school students.

Piedmont Open Middle School

Serving only students from sixth to eighth grade, Piedmont Open Middle School has a strong International Baccalaureate program for which it is known. Its cultural and performing arts curriculum is also a strong draw for students.

Cox Media Group