When looking for the best private school in North Carolina, families often start by considering location — if you live in Durham, a school in Asheville or Winston-Salem may not be the right fit. It also makes sense to focus on schools within your budget, since private education involves tuition and fees, and you want to choose a school you can comfortably afford.
But the search will also be made easier if you understand why your family is choosing private education. Some families opt for private schools because they believe they can help their child gain admission to a top university. Other families prefer private schools because their child has a learning difference like ADHD or dyslexia, and they can learn more effectively in an environment that accommodates their needs. Private schools have lower student-to-teacher ratios, and teachers can often adapt their classrooms to address these challenges better.
This post looks at the 22 best private schools in North Carolina with these different priorities in mind. We’ll examine a range of school types, sizes, and educational approaches, covering:
- Our school, Fusion Academy: A private school for grades 4–12 with a personalized approach to learning
- Private elementary schools: Chesterbrook Academy in Raleigh and Cary, and Thales Academy in Wake Forest
- College preparatory schools: Charlotte Christian School, Charlotte Latin School, Durham Academy, Cary Academy, Davidson Day School, and Ravenscroft School
- Schools with a boarding cohort: The Asheville School and Salem Academy
- International schools: Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, and the British International School of Charlotte, which offers the IB Diploma
- Schools for students with learning differences: The Hill Learning Center, the Piedmont School, and the Fletcher School, which is connected to the renowned Rankin Institute
- Alternative schools: The Montessori School of Raleigh and Oak City Academy, both modeled after Maria Montessori’s educational methods, and ILIM, a multilingual immersion school
- Catholic schools: Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville, and Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh
- Jewish school: The Charlotte Jewish Day School
1. Fusion Academy: The Best Private School for Personalized Learning in North Carolina
Fusion Academy is a private school for grades 4–12 with three campuses in North Carolina, where classes are one-to-one or in small groups of 2–5 students.
This low student-to-teacher ratio means Fusion teachers can give each student more personal attention and customize their lessons to meet each student’s individual learning needs.
For example, a student looking for an accelerated curriculum can be introduced to more advanced material as soon as they’re ready, and students with particular subject interests can choose from a wide range of courses to deepen their knowledge. This method works for all types of students, and it’s especially beneficial for students with learning differences like ADHD and dyslexia because it allows the teacher to adapt the learning environment so they can feel comfortable and focused on their learning.
Fusion offers:
- A catalog of over 300 courses for grades 4–12, including honors courses and AP® courses, as well as college preparatory and essentials courses.
- Flexible scheduling. Students can enroll in full-time programs or take individual classes for credit. They also have the flexibility to choose between on-campus and remote learning, including virtual courses through Fusion Global Academy with full-time, part-time, or hybrid options tailored to their needs and learning preferences.
- Tutoring and mentoring. Fusion offers several customizable, one-to-one tutoring packages in our core and elective subjects.
- Post-secondary counseling. Fusion Academy students have gone on to attend colleges such as MIT, Princeton, NYU, and UCLA, thanks in part to the supportive, goal-oriented post-secondary counseling they’ve received from our advisors.
- A warm and welcoming campus. Fusion’s small student body means it doesn’t feel like a typical school environment. We offer a vibrant program of student events, clubs, field trips, and opportunities for students to connect with each other and with the wider community. For example, our campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosts monthly potluck meals for students, staff, and their families, including their annual Friendsgiving celebration.
Enrollment at Fusion is open year-round, so students can start at any point in the school year.
At the time of writing, Fusion Academy has three locations in North Carolina:
Personalized Learning Tailored to Individual Students
In addition to our low student-to-teacher ratio, Fusion’s teachers go the extra mile to personalize each student’s education.
From the first day a student walks into Fusion, our goal is to understand their unique situation so we can meet their academic and personal needs. Enrollment begins with an extended conversation with our Head of School, where we ask questions about a student’s strengths and growth areas, academic goals, and what brings them to Fusion. We also use two standardized tests:
- The MAP® assessment, which looks at language usage, mathematics, and reading. This test highlights the material a student has already mastered, so we can find the best starting point for their learning at Fusion.
- MindPrint, a cognitive assessment that shows us why a student is performing at a certain level. This tool helps us to identify where a student excels and where they might face challenges due to processing speed, memory, executive function, or complex reasoning.
With the insights from these tests and interviews, we create a personalized education plan for each student. We also assign them a lead teacher, who acts as an additional advocate and mentor throughout their time at Fusion.
Personalization doesn’t stop after the admissions process. As our students settle in and we get to know them better, our teachers communicate with one another to understand their students’ progress and deliver the best possible experience.
We can adjust their personal curriculum, for example, by assigning texts that align with their interests in a literature class, or by adding more hands-on materials to their science classes to show concepts in action.
All students can benefit from personalized education, but this model is particularly beneficial for:
- Students with learning differences: These students sometimes fall behind their peers in a regular school environment and can experience heightened anxiety in the overstimulating environment of a traditional school. At Fusion, these differences are celebrated, supported, and taken into account in lesson planning and scheduling. If a student with sensory processing disorder can focus better when wearing headphones, they can do that. If a student with ADHD needs time between classes to go for a walk or reset, we can build a schedule with that in mind. And, in cases where dyslexic students require audio-visual tools to learn, we can work together to find the best option.
- Gifted students: In a one-to-one environment, gifted students have the freedom to learn at their own pace and deepen their knowledge on a topic as much as they want to. This could mean going ahead of grade level or even enrolling in AP® courses.
- Students who struggle with executive function and the skills it takes to organize their learning. These students can get additional support and mentoring and can take a dedicated executive functioning skills class at Fusion.
- Students who need remediation programs to help them catch up, especially in math and English. Fusion offers a comprehensive Reading Skills and Strategies remediation program that combines self-study with one-to-one instruction from a teacher. For math, we use a combination of the ALEKS program and direct instruction.
- Student athletes and actors. These students often struggle with a traditional Monday–Friday school schedule. Fusion campuses are open from 7:30 A.M.–7:30 P.M., and Fusion Global Academy offers online classes from 5:30 A.M.–11:30 P.M. Eastern Time. This means we can customize their timetable to fit lessons around training or auditions.
- Students with a specific area of interest. Alongside a wide course catalog with options to explore subjects from different angles, Fusion offers Endorsements to show a student’s commitment to a field of study on their high school transcript — for example, in STEM, World Languages, Humanities, Visual & Performing Arts, or Leadership. An Endorsement shows a student has gone above and beyond the general requirements for graduation in that subject, and can help their college applications stand out.
Plus, all Fusion parents receive daily email updates from their kid, detailing what a student has covered in their classes and how they’re doing socially and emotionally in school.
“Fusion truly understands that education is not one-size-fits-all, and they have filled so many of the gaps our children experienced in traditional schools.”
– Kiran, Fusion Parent
Post-Secondary Counseling to Find a Student’s Path After High School
Fusion has a team of dedicated post-secondary counselors who specialize in helping students prepare for life after high school. Support can begin as early as freshman year and includes guidance on resume building, course selection, SAT or ACT testing timelines, college applications, scholarships, and financial aid options.
This personalized approach gives our students ample time to prepare for college and fully understand their options — and it has proven highly successful. In the Fusion class of 2025:
- 99% of applicants were accepted into a 4-year college
- 87.5% will be attending their first-choice college
- 41% reported receiving merit scholarships, with an average award of $58,303
Our post-secondary counselors are trained to help every student, including those interested in non-traditional paths such as gap years, internships, learning a trade at a vocational school, military services, and transition programs for students with disabilities.
Social Life on Fusion Campuses
Fusion campuses are small, close-knit communities with a maximum of around 100 students. This helps our students make meaningful social connections and quickly feel a sense of belonging within the school setting.
In an effort to support students socially as well as academically, Fusion teachers are trained to spot situations where a student is lonely or where a new friendship might grow. For example, if a teacher notices a student sitting by themselves, they might introduce them to someone with similar interests.
Much of student life on campus happens in the Homework Café.
Every Fusion campus has two Homework Cafés staffed by a teacher at all times. In the Quiet Homework Café, students have a calm space to complete their homework during school hours. In the Social Homework Café, they can work collaboratively on assignments and eat lunch.
The Social Homework Café is also the space where most of our student clubs and activities take place. Clubs are unique to each Fusion campus, because they’re led by the students’ interests. Over the years, we’ve organized clubs for D&D, film, debate, photography, yoga, Model UN, and video games, and students also have the opportunity to try out a leadership role in these clubs.
Taking a closer look at our North Carolina campuses, the Raleigh campus life in 2025 involved:
- Monthly workshops for students and teachers, with recent themes including Critical Thinking and Inclusion.
- A special Expressive Arts Therapy workshop.
- Events for World Mental Health Day and Men’s Mental Health Month.
- Field trips to the driving range so students could try their hands at golf, and to the North Carolina Museum of Art.
With this vibrant program of events, our students have the opportunity to broaden their skills and meet new people. We’re also committed to helping our students engage with their wider community and take pride in giving back. For example, at Fusion Charlotte, the students organized a Thanksgiving food drive in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank.
Using the North Carolina ESA Program at Fusion Academy
North Carolina runs two ESA (Education Student Account) programs to help families pay for education: The Opportunity Scholarship and the ESA+ Scholarship.
- The Opportunity Scholarship is for all students in grades K–12 who live in or are moving to North Carolina and are eligible to attend public school in the state. This scholarship gives families between $3,000 and $7,000 toward the cost of private school tuition and other fees, like enrollment, as long as the school is one of 700 on their list of Direct Payment Schools.
- The ESA+ Scholarship is for students with disabilities. This scholarship gives families a base level of funding of $9,000 per year, though some students may be granted up to $17,000 per year depending on their disability. The funds from the ESA+ Scholarship can be used for private school tuition and other allowable expenses like speech therapy, tutoring, and educational technology.
Families can use North Carolina ESA funds to cover tuition at any of our locations in the state.
If Fusion Academy sounds like a good fit for your child, you can:
- Find out more about our school philosophy
- Browse our full catalog of courses
- Hear testimonials from our students and their families
- Read reviews on TrustPilot
Or, get in touch with one of our campuses in North Carolina for more information about their programs for elementary, middle, and high school students.
2418 Blue Ridge Road
Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27607
Tel: 919-635-8915
3540 Toringdon Way
Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28277
Tel: 980-265-3221
101 Glen Lennox Drive
Suite 130
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Tel: 984-314-0966
Next, we cover other private schools in North Carolina, including elementary schools, high schools, boarding schools, and more.
2. Raleigh: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool & Elementary School
Chesterbrook Academy is a private elementary school for pre-K–5 based in Raleigh. The school describes itself as a collaborative community that balances learning and play.
Chesterbrook combines a standard curriculum with a variety of specialty classes to help students grow their skills in Spanish, music, and technology. As students enter middle school, the focus also turns to high school readiness. The school helps them prepare for new experiences by being more independent in their learning and exploring a wider range of subjects.
There are Chesterbrook locations along the East Coast, including in Northwest Raleigh and two campuses in Cary. Many of their locations offer before- and after-school programs to support working families, with a focus on play, discovery, creativity, and wonder.
One parent called Chesterbrook, “Exactly the type of school every parent would dream of for their child,” and praised the regular community-building and engagement opportunities for the families of students. (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 10200 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
- Contact: 877-340-1261
3. Wake Forest: Thales Academy Wake Forest Pre-K–5
Thales Academy is a network of private schools offering a classical education. In Wake Forest, the pre-K–5 school serves 674 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1.
To encourage and achieve excellence, the curriculum focuses on core outcomes, including integrity, judgement, self-reliance, and critical thinking. In elementary school, students begin with lessons in reading, spelling, language arts, and math, as well as interactive science and history courses. They also have weekly instruction in technology, art, music, Spanish, and PE, along with daily outdoor play.
Describing academic life at Thales, one parent said, “The curriculum is thoughtfully designed—rigorous enough to challenge and inspire our son, yet completely achievable with the right support. We’ve watched our son develop confidence, curiosity, and a true love of learning thanks to the dedicated teachers who bring energy and passion to every classroom.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 3106 Heritage Trade Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- Contact: 919-453-6415
Next, we look at private high schools and college preparatory schools.
4. Charlotte: Charlotte Christian School
In rankings, Charlotte Christian School is rated the best Christian high school in the Charlotte area. It serves students in grades pre-K–12.
The school is a college preparatory school with a strong emphasis on Christian values, aiming to equip students academically, spiritually, and experientially. This informs the school’s approach to curriculum planning, athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities.
On campus, students can access a media and writing center, college counseling, student counseling, and a range of technology to support their learning. The school also provides an extensive library of summer reading and learning resources to keep students engaged. The class of 2025 includes 27 AP scholars, 37 Academic Conservatory distinctions, and graduates were awarded more than $640,000 in college and university scholarships.
In a recent review, one senior said, “I have been at CCS since kindergarten and the opportunities and resources that have been available to me have beyond prepared me for college … CCS has such an amazing staff of administration who walk alongside students in their faith and are willing to have conversations, answer questions, and point them in the right direction.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 7301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270
- Contact: 704-366-5657
5. Charlotte: Charlotte Latin School
Charlotte Latin School is an independent college preparatory school serving over 1,500 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Located on a 128-acre campus, the school offers 22 AP courses and is particularly strong in STEM subjects. The school features a unique Fab Lab, one of only about 20 in the US, where middle and upper school engineering students can create real-world products with precision tools.
Charlotte Latin is also known for its McIntosh Leadership Center, which serves as a hub on campus for students to learn, collaborate, and grow as leaders. It includes a space to focus on leadership development, a senior lounge area, and a student commons with a cafe.
These elements all come together to create a strong and supportive school community. In the words of one parent, “What stands out most about CLS is the community. Families enjoy being on campus and with each other. Students have the opportunity to excel in the classroom, athletics, and arts—and are encouraged to find their passion.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 9502 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
- Contact: 704-846-1100
6. Durham: Durham Academy
Durham Academy is an independent, coeducational day school serving 1,247 students in pre-K–12.
The school fosters a friendly and supportive environment, helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. This is exemplified by the Bridge program, which is dedicated to helping students transition from middle school to high school, as well as the one-to-one college counseling offered from sophomore year on.
Outside the classroom, Durham Academy offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities. The school’s cross country and track teams have won 39 state championships and 196 individual titles. The a cappella group has been featured in national Best of High School A Cappella compilations. Additionally, the debate team has been extremely successful in competitions, including the National Speech and Debate Association National Championship.
There is a very strong sense of community and belonging at the school, as exemplified by this student’s experience: “Durham Academy has been my school for the past 14 years, and I’ve cherished every single day here.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 3501 Ridge Road, Durham, NC 27705
- Contact: 919-493-5787
7. Cary: Cary Academy
Cary Academy is a private high school located between Raleigh and Durham. At the time of writing, it is rated the best private high school in North Carolina on Niche.
The school is known for providing students with a well-rounded education through a combined focus on the arts, technology, and foreign exchange programs. Cary Academy is also well-regarded for its Center for Community Engagement, which creates opportunities for students to engage with the local community and regional businesses.
The school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a video production studio, a makerspace with 3D printers, a multimedia discovery studio, and a 15,000 square-foot athletics complex. Students can also enjoy a 500-seat theater, a 22,000 square-foot Center for Math and Science, a full-service community café, and even a hammock hangout for relaxation.
For students preparing for college, the school also offers an advisory program with specific offerings for the middle school and upper school. One senior described this resource as “amazing” and also noted the resources available to start clubs and explore projects to enhance their college applications and see their vision come to life. (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 1500 N Harrison Avenue, Cary, NC 27513
- Contact: 919-677-3873
8. Lake Norman: Davidson Day School
Located in the Lake Norman region north of Charlotte, Davidson Day School serves students from early childhood until age 18. Davidson Day is a successful college-prep school, with 100% of students in the class of 2024 going on to attend college, many receiving scholarships or merit awards.
The school offers 20 types of AP courses to prepare students for college and is particularly strong in science, with 31 upper school STEM classes. For students who need additional support with their learning, Davidson Day also provides personalized one-to-one instruction at its Learning Enrichment Center.
Outside the classroom, the school is well-known locally for the strength of its athletic programs, and has won 31 team state championships, 35 individual state championships, and numerous conference titles. In the local Wells Fargo Cup, which measures athletic performance across regional schools, Davidson Day almost always comes in the top three and won the cup outright in both 2020 and 2024.
Families frequently praise the strong academics and the range of subjects on offer at Davidson. One parent also noted, “Teachers genuinely care and get to know the kids well, which we’ve really appreciated. The Head of School has been a huge positive—he brings vision and energy.” (Read more reviews here.)
Location: 750 Jetton Street, Davidson, NC 28036
Contact: 704-237-5200
9. Raleigh: Ravenscroft School
Ravenscroft School is a coed private school in Raleigh for students between pre-K and 12th grade. Ravenscroft has a strong commitment to academic excellence, with 100% of students graduating and proceeding to college.
Ravenscroft fosters a love of learning and inquiry with a robust curriculum that offers differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and exploration of STEM, humanities, global programs, fine arts, athletics, and health and wellness.
The school also features a comprehensive arts program with groups including band, choir, strings, drama, visual arts, and photography. The school’s facilities feature the 454-seat Jones Theatre, the 180-seat Young People’s Theatre, and various studios and practice rooms. Additionally, over 80% of students participate in some form of athletics.
The results of this rounded education are clear to see: “My experiences at Ravenscroft have been nothing but full of growth and improvement since starting there in 6th grade. I have consistently been challenged through rigorous courses in math and science, but always had the opportunity to improve through my teachers’ dedication.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 7409 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
- Contact: 919-847-0900
Next, we’ll look at private boarding schools.
10. Asheville: Asheville School
The Asheville School is a private school for grades 9–12 with 263 students, 75% of whom board, and 22% of whom are international students. The school is set on 300 acres and on a historic campus, including three dormitories with dedicated hall parents.
The school offers a robust academic curriculum that prepares students for college by engaging with complex ideas and perspectives. The school also has diverse athletics programs and modern facilities considered among the best in the southeast. This includes dedicated strength and conditioning facilities to help students improve their physical performance.
Due to its location, Asheville also offers a unique program of excursions and Basecamp Education focused on mountaineering and outdoor adventures. The school is currently the only high school registered as a USA climbing team, and students participate in national competitions throughout the year.
One boarder described the experience like this: “I still feel close to many of the faculty and staff, I felt that the community was very inclusive, and that the friendships I made are lifelong. There are so many unique opportunities that I believe set me apart as a person and allowed me to thrive.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 360 Asheville School Road, Asheville, NC 28806
- Contact: 828-254-6345
11. Winston-Salem: Salem Academy
Located in Winston-Salem, Salem Academy is the oldest private school in the state and the fourth-oldest boarding school in the US.
The school offers both boarding and day options for high school girls in grades 9–12, with students coming from across the state and the country. This international school has around 12% of girls coming from overseas, and in total, around 46% of the students board either during the week or for the entire term.
Salem Academy is firmly oriented towards college preparation. It shares a campus with Salem College, a liberal arts college, and 100% of students go on to continue their education at a college level. Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing them to nurture their intellectual curiosity and focus on their studies. Classes range from the humanities to robotics, fostering both academic and character growth.
The school also offers Jan Term, a three-week mini-term where students can pursue internships, enroll in special classes, or travel both domestically and abroad. For the first two years, students spend Jan Term on campus exploring their interests, while juniors and seniors engage in internships outside of Salem.
As with the other boarding schools on this list, students at Salem Academy feel the experience prepares them for college better than a day school. One alumna states, “The college admissions process guidance is unique to Salem and helped me learn exactly how to create an incredible application for each school. Alongside the academic and professional writing skills you will gain, college will be a breeze!” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 601 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Contact: 336-721-2643
Next, we’ll look at international schools in North Carolina, some of which offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
12. Raleigh: Saint Mary’s School
Saint Mary’s School is an all-girls Episcopal boarding and day school with a 100% university acceptance rate.
For students in grades 9–12, they offer a rigorous program of honors, AP, and Distinguished Scholars courses. All these pathways are chosen to build a student’s competencies in ten key areas, including collaboration, communication, cross-cultural intelligence, self-expression, and media literacy.
The school also has more than 30 student-led organizations, so girls can connect with their peers, explore their passions, and develop new skills. These include programs to promote student wellness (like the Garden and Sustainability Club or the Neurodiversity Club) and for students interested in a certain career path (like the Medical Professionals Club or the Teen Entrepreneurship Club). The school also stands out for its partnership with MacNair’s Country Acres farm, which allows students to participate in horseback riding and jumping in equestrian facilities located a short drive from the campus.
One parent summed their family’s experience up like this: “Educationally, my girls and their peers are challenged to love learning and to learn to think critically. SMS helps them amplify their voices, find confidence, learn to lead, and foster their individual growth.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Contact: 919-424-4100
13. Charlotte: British International School of Charlotte
The British International School of Charlotte is part of Nord Anglia Education. It offers a range of programs, starting with early years and progressing through to high school graduation at age 18.
The classes in this school are small, typically around 8:1. This helps educators cater to each student’s interests and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in their chosen academic programs. To enrich the school experience, the school also collaborates with MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF to deliver challenges and events to expand students’ skill sets on the road to their IB Diploma.
The school offers personalized classes and a close-knit school community. This helps to build students’ confidence and make them more enthusiastic about participating, asking questions, and taking intellectual risks.
Recent reviews have called BISC a great addition to Charlotte’s school selection, describing, “A wonderful school with a lovely campus and terrific diversity.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 7000 Endhaven Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277
- Contact: 704-668-0038
Next, we’ll look at private schools for students with learning differences.
14. Durham: Hill Learning Center
Hill Learning Center is a private special education school with around 160 students.
Its methods are based on multisensory learning and the Orton-Gillingham approach to foundational skills in reading and writing. In grades 1–5, students receive daily, individualized instruction, and many lessons are based on hands-on resources. The school also offers tutoring for families with children enrolled in the school or who live locally. Tutors develop sessions tailored to each student’s unique needs in reading, writing, math, and executive function.
As a school for students with learning differences, teachers are also expected to support students as they develop their social and emotional understanding. This helps every student feel comfortable on campus and confident in their ability to learn.
Students make concrete steps forward here because the school supports and celebrates their differences. One parent says of their family’s experience, “The small student-teacher ratio has been just what he needed … I have seen him start to clear hurdles in reading and writing as a result of Hill. His confidence has soared!” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 3200 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705
- Contact: 919-489-7464
15. High Point: The Piedmont School
Surrounded by green space in High Point, the Piedmont School serves students with a unique learning profile. The school serves students with ADHD and language-based learning differences such as dyslexia.
The teachers at Piedmont are specialists in their field. They bring both a deep understanding of the way their students’ minds work and nurturing hearts. The school is small, with 90 students enrolled (though an expansion is currently in development). The student-to-teacher ratio in K–8 is 6:1, rising to 10:1 in 9–12.
Piedmont also offers many options for students to learn outside the classroom, with a fully integrated arts education program to help students express themselves in drawing, music, and theater, and an athletics program focused on cross-country, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and basketball. A range of clubs is also available in the lower school, upper school, and high school.
In a recent review, one parent pointed out how dramatically her daughter’s confidence improved during a short time at Piedmont, and said they were excited for her to spend her entire K–12 career as part of the school community. Put simply: “Our family cannot recommend the Piedmont School enough if your child is having learning problems.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 815 Old Mill Road, High Point, NC 27265
- Contact: 336-883-0992
16. Charlotte: The Fletcher School
The Fletcher School has around 280 students in grades K–12. With a small student body and a higher ratio of teachers to students, the school can take an individualized, multisensory approach to college preparation, helping all students thrive regardless of the conditions they need to learn.
Fletcher’s school leadership also runs the Rankin Institute, an outreach component created in 2004 to provide resources to teachers, professionals, and parents outside the immediate school community. The institute now trains teachers and other professionals in the latest methodologies and practices, particularly in research-based methods for children with learning differences.
Students have consistently noted how supportive the school faculty is: “Looking back at my five years at Fletcher, I gained the confidence and strength within myself. Teachers at Fletcher put in 110% and always want the best for each student.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 8500 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270
- Contact: 704-365-4658
Next, we look at three alternative schools in North Carolina.
17. Raleigh: The Montessori School of Raleigh
The Montessori School of Raleigh is an alternative school with over 11 acres of indoor and outdoor learning space. The school values diversity, and within the student body, 15 different languages are spoken at home.
In addition to the classic Montessori Children’s House for children ages 3 through kindergarten, the MSR has separate spaces for toddlers, lower elementary, and upper elementary. Each environment is prepared according to the children’s current curiosities to help them cultivate a deeper understanding of the class materials and themes, as well as develop their reasoning and resilience in problem-solving.
This school also places a strong focus on social and emotional learning. Students are helped to understand and express their needs, show each other courtesy, and are taught the skills to navigate the busy, distracting world outside the classroom. As one parent describes, “The investment in a community that shares similar values matters to our family, and my children are growing in a community that prioritizes kindness and respect for all.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 7005 Lead Main Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
- Contact: 919-848-1545
18. Garner: Oak City Academy
Oak City Academy is a pre-K–8 school that combines the spiritual emphasis of a Christian school with the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.
Beginning in the lower school, students start to build their sense of curiosity, exploration, and independence, which acts as a foundation for lifelong, joyful learning. As a Montessori school, students often find themselves in multi-age groups. Based on their skills and academic readiness, older students model responsibility and care for the classroom materials, while younger students benefit from their encouragement.
Students at Oak City spend a great deal of time in nature and are often involved in community service projects. This includes partnerships with local food pantries, visiting nursing homes, collecting donations, and making winter care packages. The school also partners with Hope International to help fund sustainable support projects in underserved global communities.
According to a parent whose children attend the school, “The teachers and administration truly know my kiddos and the way in which they each need to be loved, challenged, and shepherded. My kids love to learn, and I think that is owed greatly to the way that OCA brings wonder and curiosity into the classroom.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 1100 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529
- Contact: 919-815-7742
19. Pineville: ILIM School
Based near Charlotte, the ILIM school offers a pre-K–8, multilingual immersion program. The school has 180 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1.
The school focuses on helping children reach fluency in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin while mastering foundational life and academic skills. The school looks beyond standardized testing to focus on applying knowledge rather than memorizing it. Teachers also focus on demonstrating the links between the subjects the students are exposed to.
Because they experience global communication and cultures from an early age and as a normal part of the school day, it is also hoped that ILIM graduates will go on to become creative and business leaders with a sought-after skill set. This philosophy is what gives the school its name: ILIM stands for International Leaders in the Making.
In the words of one parent: “I believe the small class sizes have been key for my students having a seamless and comfortable environment to grow, not just in language and culture, but confidence at their own pace. The greatest feeling for me as a parent is to see my children inspired and happy.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 601 North Polk Street, Suite L, Pineville, NC 28134
- Contact: 704-389-9408
Next, we look at private Catholic schools in North Carolina.
20. Raleigh: Cardinal Gibbons High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School is the top-rated Catholic high school in North Carolina. For students in grades 9–12, the school offers 170+ courses, including 25 AP classes.
Gibbons offers a thriving range of programs. In the fine arts, students can enroll in music, dance, drama, and media arts programs that are recognized both locally and nationally. Athletics encompasses state-ranked programs and over 50 different teams. For extracurriculars and events, the school offers clubs to explore STEM interests (Robotics, Science Olympiad), music (Chamber Music Club, CREW’s dance group), and wellness (Empowerment Yoga). With over $1.8 million available in financial aid, Gibbons also helps expand access to one of the best private high schools in the state.
One alum summed up their experience like this: “I had a wonderful four years at Cardinal Gibbons High School … I was able to form beautiful relationships with many of my teachers, who were all unbelievably kind and caring, and did everything they could to help us feel prepared for the future.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 1401 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
- Contact: 919-834-1625
21. Kernersville: Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, located in Kernersville between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, is a 9–12 school with just under 500 students.
The school offers a comprehensive program with electives in science, math, social studies, language arts, visual and performing arts, and global languages. There is also a four-year theology program for those considering entering ministry.
The school offers a challenging academic environment for students with their sights set on college. More than 55% of the teachers have advanced degrees, and at the time of writing, the most recent statistics show that students took a total of 723 AP exams across 26 different subjects, and that 98% of graduates went on to attend a two- or four-year college program.
The environment is as supportive as it is academically rigorous. One senior noted, “The atmosphere at Bishop is so friendly and inclusive; everyone is so welcoming and supportive of each other. It has been such a positive experience for me and has led me to be the person I am now.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 1725 NC 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284
- Contact: 336-564-1010
Finally, we look at the Jewish school in Charlotte, NC.
22. Charlotte: Charlotte Jewish Day School
Charlotte Jewish Day School is a K–8 school united by a shared love for and connection to Judaism.
Students study a rich curriculum designed to build their critical thinking and creativity. The school also recognizes that every learner has different social, cognitive, emotional, creative, and physical needs, and expects them to master tasks at different paces. Teachers are encouraged to adapt their lesson content and teaching method to each class, made possible by a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1.
The curriculum at CJDS is designed to be extremely well-rounded. 100% of students can read Hebrew by the end of first grade, and each student spends an estimated 239 hours in music, art, and PE classes during the school year. The school has a dedicated Makerspace, which provides an environment where students can test and build their creative problem-solving skills. Many students are involved in student government, the school newspaper, or after-school clubs that include gardening, chess, yoga, and clay.
One parent testified to this approach in a recent review, stating, “CJDS exemplifies what it means to educate the whole child within a compassionate, values-based Jewish community.” (Read more reviews here.)
- Location: 5007 Providence Road, Building E, Charlotte, NC 28226
- Contact: 704-366-4558
A Personalized Private School Experience
We’re confident that Fusion Academy offers the best private school experience in North Carolina. Our one-to-one model is unique, and our post-secondary counseling, remedial programs, and focus on social-emotional learning ensure that every student can find their path.
Reach out to us today to learn more about your nearest Fusion campus.
