Hey friends welcome to the Tigerjek, in this post we will discuss the best schools in Charlotte. Charlotte is a major city of Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and among the top 25 largest U.S. cities, with a population approaching 800,000 in the city proper and over 2.6 million people in the metro area.It’s a major economic hub, especially in finance, housing the headquarters of giants like Bank of America, Lowe’s, Duke Energy, and substantial presence of Wells Fargo.
The university holds rankings such as #152 nationally (U.S. News & World Report) and #225 in Forbes among top 500 universities. Its online programs in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Instructional Media, and Special Education are especially strong—ranking among the top 25 in those categories. There are the best schools in Charlotte:-
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Brookstone Schools | Best Schools in Charlotte
In 1996, a diverse group of concerned citizens came together with a vision to found a non-profit, Christ-centered school in Charlotte’s urban core. Their task was to provide quality education and moral teaching to under-resourced students; their hope was in God’s protection and provision to make it happen. From a seed planted in prayer, the school opened its doors in 2001 and has blossomed to become a beacon for under-resourced children in Charlotte, NC.
Their mission to glorify God by equipping under-resourced students academically, socially, and spiritually for future lives of leadership and service.
The vision of Brookstone schools is to raise up the next generation of leaders from Charlotte to engage their generation for Jesus Christ.
Brookstone Schools seeks rising JK-8 students from all ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds who can benefit from a challenging academic program and make positive contributions to the school community. Students are admitted on the basis of school records, academic testing, interviews, and teacher recommendations. Brookstone does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admission policies.
Bradford Preparatory School
In the spring of 2012, the founders of Bradford Prep began discussing the need for a school that could challenge each student academically while also addressing their social, emotional, and physical needs. After many months of research and planning, they decided there is both a great need and a clear desire for a K-12 charter school in the northeast area of Charlotte, NC. They began the process of meeting with parents and community members in the summer and in September 2012, the Bradford Preparatory School Board of Directors met for the first time.
Since that time, the Board has gone through the process of becoming a charter school with the state of North Carolina. We received approval to open in August 2014 as a K-8 school with 465 students. Our charter agreement with the state called for adding a grade every year until we became a K-12 school in the 2018/2019 academic year. The size of each grade grew over the first eight years and was capped out at approximately 120-130 students per grade which allows students to develop deep relationships with their friends over their time at Bradford Prep.
The mission of this school “Bradford is a college preparatory school committed to academic excellence, nurturing personal relationships, and inspiring a growing passion for creativity and learning in all of our students”
The vision of this school is “Bradford Preparatory School uses innovative methods to provide quality education in a smaller, more responsive learning environment. We challenge students to develop the critical thinking skills, creativity, and communication skills required for success in college and the workplace. Our school community, including the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and other community members work together to support the students in a way that invites learning to become a lifelong endeavor.”
Charlotte Lab School
They created Lab to reimagine what’s possible in public education. As long-time K-12 teachers and administrators we knew there was a better way to approach school. A way that puts the needs of students (vs. the ‘system’) at the center, a way that lets teachers be the kind of teachers they always thought they could be, a way that proves ALL kids can be successful. So they created Lab, and The Lab Way. It’s their lives’ work and our passion.
Their country’s approach to education hasn’t changed much since the industrial revolution; They do a great job of educating our children to be successful in a world of the past. But the world is progressing, and fast; the rate of innovation has increased exponentially. Ideas that seemed like science fiction a few years ago – self-driving cars, refrigerators that tell you when you’re running low on milk, connected and smart-cities – are today’s reality. Research indicates that 65% of the jobs today’s kids will hold when they’re adults haven’t even been created yet.
How will people work in the global workplace of tomorrow? How can they best prepare their kids to be successful in a world where the pace of change is unprecedented? These are the questions they ask ourselves at Charlotte Lab School, a progressive charter school in uptown Charlotte, where the challenge of preparing our students is even greater than in other cities. Charlotte ranks 50th out of 50 among America’s largest cities in upward mobility. This means that for a child born into poverty in Charlotte, it is harder to escape than in any other large city in the United State.
Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy
Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy stands as North Carolina’s premier STEM school, recognized for its interactive and engaging approach to education centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Academy’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to immerse students in hands-on learning experiences that cultivate deep understanding and prepare them for the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
With a commitment to academic excellence, Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy empowers students by building a strong foundation in STEM disciplines. The school’s innovative programs emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and a genuine enthusiasm for discovery. Through collaborative learning and real-world application, students are encouraged to explore complex concepts and develop the skills necessary for future success.
Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy invites prospective students, families, and community members to explore its website and discover more about its unique educational model, exceptional faculty, and the diverse range of opportunities available. The Academy welcomes all to be part of this dynamic and inspiring educational journey.
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy
Established in 2000, Scholars Academy is a public, non-profit charter school serving the unique social, emotional, and intellectual needs of one of the most underserved groups of children in the school system – the highly gifted. Representing only 2% of the population, these children come from all socio-economic groups, backgrounds, and cultures.
Highly gifted children whose special needs are not met have a greater risk of social and emotional problems compared to their age mates. As a result, many will underachieve and/or drop out of high school or college. Highly gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds are doubly at risk of academic failure if their needs are not met. Research shows that approximately 15% of the nation’s juvenile delinquent population scores in the top 3% of the nation intellectually.
Scholars Academy is proud to serve the special needs of our community’s highly gifted children and help each child reach their full potential.
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy provides a differentiated, challenging, and equitable learning environment that supports the distinctive intellectual, social, and emotional needs of highly gifted children from diverse backgrounds and enables them to form meaningful relationships with their intellectual peers.
Their learning environment celebrates individuality and supports the distinctive intellectual, social, and emotional needs of gifted children. They are dedicated to the development of the whole child and aspire to equip our graduates to be confident by fostering.
TMSA Charlotte Elementary School
The Math and Science Academy of Charlotte (TMSA Charlotte) is a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to delivering a high-quality education with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, TMSA Charlotte serves over 800 students from kindergarten through 12th grade across two campuses.
In June 2022, Queen City STEM School (QCSS) officially joined the TMSA Public Charter Schools family and was renamed TMSA Charlotte, following approval by the North Carolina State Board of Education.
TMSA Charlotte fosters a community of lifelong learners guided by the school’s motto: “Science, Wisdom, Peace.” This philosophy reflects the school’s commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the cultivation of wisdom, and the promotion of peace in all aspects of learning and life. Through a rigorous academic curriculum and a strong emphasis on character development, students are prepared to live in harmony with themselves, others, and the environment.
The school is deeply committed to providing an exceptional education within a safe, nurturing, and culturally responsive environment. A strong partnership among parents, educators, and the community plays a vital role in student success.
Mission:-Through STEAM-focused academics, character education, social-emotional learning, and robust family engagement, TMSA Charlotte equips students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a diverse, technology-driven society and to succeed in future careers.
vision:-As a premier provider of STEAM education in North Carolina, TMSA Charlotte inspires and educates the next generation of leaders—equipping them to succeed in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
Fusion Academy Charlotte
Fusion Academy Charlotte is a private, accredited alternative school located at 3540 Toringdon Way, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277, serving students in grades 6 through 12. Established in 2019 as Fusion’s 57th campus nationwide, the school offers a distinctive educational model centered on personalized, one-to-one instruction designed to meet the unique needs of every learner.
Fusion Academy Charlotte provides a highly individualized learning experience. Each course is taught one-on-one—one teacher and one student—either in person or virtually. This approach allows students to learn at their own pace and in a style that suits them best. In addition to one-to-one classes, students can participate in small group sessions, digital learning, and self-directed study periods.
The school offers both full-time enrollment for middle and high school students and part-time options such as tutoring, credit recovery, and enrichment courses. Rolling admissions and fully flexible scheduling allow families to begin the educational journey at any time of the year, adjusting to academic, social, or personal needs as they arise.
Fusion Academy Charlotte is designed to foster not only academic success but also emotional well-being and social connection. Central to this vision are the school’s two dedicated Homework Café® spaces—one social and one quiet—where students can complete assignments, build relationships, and participate in clubs or creative activities.
The campus offers a variety of enrichment opportunities including prom, graduation, field trips, and extracurricular clubs. This balance of rigorous academics and vibrant student life supports the development of well-rounded, confident individuals.
Fusion Academy Charlotte is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), including accreditation through SACS CASI. This ensures that its curriculum and instructional practices meet national educational standards and allows students to transfer credits or transition smoothly to other schools or higher education institutions.
Charlotte Preparatory School
Located in the heart of South Charlotte, Charlotte Preparatory School is a respected independent school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Founded in 1971 and originally rooted in Montessori education, the school has since grown into a dynamic, inclusive learning community known for its commitment to both academic excellence and character development.
Charlotte Prep is guided by a simple but powerful mission: to nurture the mind, body, and spirit of each child. Its core values—Respect, Integrity, Perseverance, and Courage—are woven into daily life on campus, shaping not just scholars, but responsible and confident young people prepared to lead with purpose.
The school offers a warm, inclusive environment where students are known, supported, and challenged. Diversity is a point of pride, with more than 40% of the student body representing a range of cultures and backgrounds. Small class sizes (average of 16 students) and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio allow for personalized attention and meaningful relationships between faculty and students.
Charlotte Prep blends Montessori principles in its Early School program with a more traditional, academically rigorous model in the Lower and Middle Schools. Students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems collaboratively, and express themselves creatively. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes language arts, math, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, athletics, and technology integration.
Leadership and mentorship opportunities are available at every stage—from buddy programs in the Lower School to advisory and leadership roles in Middle School. Students also begin participating in competitive athletics starting in 5th grade.
Charlotte Prep welcomes around 425–437 students each year and offers a rolling admissions process, with priority deadlines typically falling in December and January depending on the grade level. The application includes an online form, teacher recommendations, testing, transcripts, and a campus visit.
Annual tuition ranges from about $19,100 to $26,250, depending on the grade and program. Financial aid and merit-based opportunities may be available for qualifying families.
In June 2023, a fire destroyed the school’s lower school building. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the Prep community quickly rallied to continue learning without disruption. Just over two years later, in August 2025, Charlotte Prep is opening a brand-new, $13 million Lower School facility—a two-story, 24,000-square-foot space with state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative work areas, and modern dining and support services.
The new building is more than just a fresh start—it’s a reflection of the school’s resilience, growth, and commitment to its students’ future.
Rea Farms STEAM Academy
Rea Farms STEAM Academy is a high-performing K–8 public school located in South Charlotte, North Carolina. Part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district, the school serves just over 1,100 students and is recognized for its innovative, STEAM-focused curriculum that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics into all areas of learning.
Located at 11532 Golf Links Drive, Rea Farms operates under the leadership of Principal Brooklyn B. Hough, with standard hours from 9:15 AM to 4:15 PM and extended hours in the summer.
Rea Farms offers a hybrid magnet program:
- Elementary School (K–5) is a full magnet, with enrollment determined through the CMS school choice lottery.
- Middle School (6–8) follows a partial magnet model, where 70% of students are assigned based on neighborhood zoning and 30% through the magnet lottery.
This unique structure allows for a diverse and inclusive student body while still emphasizing academic rigor and thematic instruction in STEAM disciplines.
Rea Farms STEAM Academy consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in North Carolina:
- Math Proficiency: 84% of students meet or exceed state standards
- Reading Proficiency: 77%
- Science Proficiency: 85–89%
These scores place the school within the top 10% of all North Carolina public schools. Rea Farms is currently ranked:
- #22 among all NC middle schools
- #76 among NC elementary schools
- #2 among CMS middle schools
- #10 among CMS elementary schools
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, offering an environment that balances high academic standards with personalized support.