Top 5 Private Schools in Charlotte, NC: A Comprehensive Guide
Top 5 Private Schools in Charlotte, NC: A Comprehensive Guide
Moving to Charlotte, NC, and choosing between public and private schools for your child can be a significant decision. In this blog, we uncover the top five private schools in Charlotte and provide essential details about each institution. This guide will help you make an informed choice that best suits your child's educational needs.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction to Charlotte's Private Schools
- Davidson Day School
- Charlotte Latin School
- Charlotte Country Day School
- Gaston Day School
- Providence Day School
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction to Charlotte's Private Schools

Charlotte, NC, offers a wide variety of educational options for families, from highly-rated public schools to prestigious private institutions. The city's private schools are known for their academic excellence, low student-teacher ratios, and strong college preparatory programs. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five private schools in Charlotte based on factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, and tuition rates.
2. Davidson Day School

Overview:
Davidson Day School, located in Davidson, NC, is ranked 18th out of 167 private schools in North Carolina. Known for its creative and collaborative academic approach, the school offers education for students from age 2 through 12th grade.
Key Details:
- Tuition: $23,550 per year (with financial aid available to 12% of students)
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1290
- Davidson Day has a rolling application process, which is a major advantage for families moving to the area mid-year. This school is also known for its focus on fostering both academic excellence and creativity in its students.
3. Charlotte Latin School

Overview:
Located on Providence Road in Charlotte, Charlotte Latin School ranks 6th in North Carolina for private K-12 schools and is highly regarded for its STEM programs. It serves students from elementary school through high school.
Key Details:
- Tuition: $22,300 per year
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1360
- Charlotte Latin's commitment to STEM education and its strong athletic programs make it an excellent choice for well-rounded students. The school's small class sizes ensure individualized attention and support.
4. Charlotte Country Day School

Overview:
Charlotte Country Day School is one of the top-ranked private schools in the state, located on Carmel Road in the heart of Charlotte. It provides a robust college preparatory program and is known for its emphasis on academic excellence.
Key Details:
- Tuition: $28,000 per year
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1330
- Ranked 4th for college prep private schools in North Carolina, Charlotte Country Day prepares students for success with a rigorous curriculum and strong support for extracurricular activities.
5. Gaston Day School

Overview:
Gaston Day School, located in Gastonia, NC, is one of the region's best-kept secrets. It ranks 3rd in North Carolina for private K-12 schools and offers a lower tuition rate compared to other top schools in the area.
Key Details:
- Tuition: $22,000 per year
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1310
- Gaston Day School offers a strong academic program and provides additional support for working parents with after-school care for students from pre-K through 8th grade.
6. Providence Day School

Overview:
Ranked as the top private school in Charlotte, Providence Day School is known for its academic excellence, diversity, and outstanding extracurricular programs. The school is located on Sardis Road in Charlotte and serves students from pre-K through 12th grade.
Key Details:
- Tuition: $31,000 per year
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1360
- Providence Day School stands out for its diverse student body and high SAT and ACT scores. The school’s rigorous academic program ensures that students are well-prepared for higher education, with many graduates attending top universities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right private school for your child in Charlotte, NC, can be challenging, but the city offers a wealth of high-quality options. Whether you're looking for a school with a strong STEM program like Charlotte Latin or a well-rounded college preparatory school like Providence Day, Charlotte's private schools are among the best in North Carolina. With excellent academic programs, strong extracurricular activities, and low student-teacher ratios, these schools are designed to help your child succeed.
FAQs
Q: What is the average tuition for private schools in Charlotte, NC?
A: The average tuition for top private schools in Charlotte ranges from $22,000 to $31,000 per year, depending on the institution and the grade level.
Q: Which private school in Charlotte has the best STEM program?
A: Charlotte Latin School is highly ranked for its STEM program, placing 7th in North Carolina for high school STEM education.
Q: Are there financial aid options for private schools in Charlotte?
A: Yes, many private schools offer financial aid. For example, Gaston Day School provides aid to 47% of its students, while Davidson Day School provides aid to 12% of its students.
Q: What is the student-teacher ratio in these private schools?
A: The student-teacher ratio varies by school, but most of the top private schools in Charlotte have ratios ranging from 6:1 to 9:1, ensuring personalized attention for students.
Q: Which private school in Charlotte is best for diversity?
A: Providence Day School has one of the highest diversity ratings among private schools in Charlotte, providing an inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.
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