The TOP Public Schools in Charlotte NC | Living in Charlotte North Carolina
Overview: Finding the Best Public Schools Around Charlotte
Relocating to the Queen City? Understanding school quality is often the first step to deciding where to live. In this video, Realtor Steve Jarrell breaks down the top-ranked public elementary, middle, and high schools in and around Charlotte, North Carolina (including nearby Union County and Fort Mill, SC). Rankings are based on performance data from GreatSchools.org.
Top 3 Elementary Schools
| # | School | Location | Students | Student-Teacher Ratio | Key Academics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providence Spring Elementary | South Charlotte – Piper Glen | ≈ 800 | 14 : 1 | Reading 85th %, Math/Science 95th % |
| 2 | New Town Elementary | Waxhaw (Union County) | ≈ 751 | 15 : 1 | Reading 95th %, Math 91st %, Science 94th % |
| 3 | Polo Ridge Elementary | South Charlotte – Ballantyne | ≈ 645 | 15 : 1 | Reading 84th %, Math/Science 91st % |
NOTE: Minority enrollment ranges from 26 % – 53 %, reflecting a healthy mix of backgrounds.
Top 3 Middle Schools
-
JM Robinson Middle School – Ballantyne, NC
- Students: ≈ 1,200 | Ratio: 19 : 1
- Math 82nd %, Reading & Science 76th %
- Minority Enrollment: 42 %
-
Harris Road Middle School – Concord / Mallard Creek area
- Students: ≈ 1,400 | Ratio: 21 : 1
- Math 85th %, Reading & Science 91st %
- Underserved-Student Performance: 85th %
-
Fort Mill Middle School – Fort Mill, SC
- Students: ≈ 853 | Ratio: 15 : 1
- English 75th %, Math 65th %, Science 63rd %
- Low-Income Student Growth: 75th %
Top 3 High Schools
| # | School | Graduation Rate | College Readiness | Students | Minority % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Ridge High School | 95 % | 94 % | ≈ 2,200 | 30 % |
| 2 | Ardrey Kell High School | 98 % | 67 % | ≈ 3,400 | 49 % |
| 3 | Providence High School | 95 % | 62 % | ≈ 2,000 | 30 % |
Honorable Mention: Weddington High School (Union County) – continually scores just outside the top three.
DIY School Research in 3 Easy Steps
- Visit GreatSchools.org.
- Type an address or city to view interactive zoning maps.
- Compare test scores, demographic data, and parent reviews to narrow your search.
