8 Best Private Schools in North Carolina in 2025

8 Best Private Schools in North Carolina

When looking for the best private school in North Carolina, it’s natural to consider location and tuition. You want the best school in your city, whether that’s Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, or Durham.

Other key factors to evaluate to ensure the school is the right fit for your child include:

  • Class size: If your goal is to ensure that your child receives as much individual attention from teachers as possible, it’s a good idea to choose a school that offers small class sizes.
  • Personalization: Your child may benefit from a personalized learning experience. For example, perhaps they’ll do better starting as a part-time student and working their way up to full-time. Perhaps they need more accelerated classes that match their skill level and varied interests. Or perhaps they have a unique learning difference, like ADHD, and would benefit from using a fidget toy in class to help them concentrate.
  • Post-secondary planning: Do you see your child’s education less in terms of getting the best SAT results and more in terms of setting them on a life path that fulfills them and matches their strengths? In this instance, it’s wise to seek out a school that provides post-secondary planning and doesn’t necessarily limit this to college options.
  • Social environment: Is it important for you to find a school where your child can make friends and fit in socially? If so, look for a school that takes proactive steps to organize regular clubs and activities, and additionally seeks out opportunities for students to befriend each other.

We’ll cover the eight best private schools in North Carolina, starting with Fusion Academy, which offers a unique one-to-one education model.

Best Private Schools in North Carolina

  1. Fusion Academy
  2. Davidson Day School
  3. Cary Academy
  4. Ravenscroft School
  5. Charlotte Latin School
  6. Greensboro Day School
  7. Salem Academy
  8. Durham Academy

We’ll begin with our own school, Fusion Academy, which has a unique model of 1-to-1 education.

1. Fusion Academy: Best Private School for 1-to-1 Learning in North Carolina

Fusion Academy homepage: The School That Changes Everything

Fusion Academy is a private middle and high school that offers 1-to-1 classes, meaning that there’s one student and one teacher in every class. This format maximizes the amount of personal attention each student receives, and allows teachers to customize lessons to students’ individual needs. For example, a student struggling with ADHD can have built-in movement breaks to help them stay focused.

Fusion has three campuses in North Carolina: Raleigh, Charlotte and Chapel Hill.

Fusion also offers enrollment in online classes through Fusion Global, which might be of interest if you don’t want to travel as far, or value taking classes on a more flexible schedule, such as later in the evening. You can even choose a hybrid option with both in-person and online learning — it all depends on what’s best for your family.

In addition to full-time and part-time classes, Fusion offers:

  • Private tutoring
  • Summer programs
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation classes
  • Post-secondary counseling

Personalized Learning Tailored to Each Student

From the very first day that a student walks into Fusion, we go out of our way to understand their unique situation and needs. This begins with an extended conversation with our Head of School, in which we ask you questions about your child’s strengths and weaknesses, what brings them to Fusion, and what their triggers are.

On the basis of that initial conversation, we will then make a personalized education plan for your child that will be delivered 1-to-1. We also assign a lead teacher to each child, who acts as an additional advocate for their needs throughout their time at Fusion.

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 often feel like outcasts for learning in a different way. At Fusion, these differences are celebrated and taken into account in lesson planning. If a student with sensory processing disorder can focus better when they’re wearing headphones, they can do that. If a student with ADHD wants to take a few minutes to go for a walk to reset, that’s totally fine. And, in cases where dyslexic students respond better to audio-visual material, we can adjust there, too.
  • Gifted students: Larger classes are often boring for gifted students, since large classes are aimed toward the average student. In a 1-to-1 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 doing AP courses. It could also mean conducting an extended research project that tests their skills to the limit. This type of in-depth learning is viewed positively by Ivy League colleges, such as Harvard and Yale.
  • Children who struggle with socialization in larger classes: Some students are highly introverted and feel overwhelmed when they’re in a typical North Carolina class of 30 students. They might also feel shy when a teacher puts them on the spot in front of their friends. Others are highly sociable, to the point that they would rather play around with their peers than learn. Both types of students can benefit from learning 1-to-1.

Beyond individual classes, Fusion can also customize the overall schedule of each student to suit each specific family situation.

For example, student athletes and student actors often struggle with a traditional Monday – Friday school schedule. We can set up lessons around their training or auditions, even if that means learning at times of the day or year when other students would not be at school.

Not every family wants to bring their child to school in the early morning. Sometimes, this just isn’t convenient for certain work schedules. If this is the case for your family, we can make accommodations accordingly.

There are times when families want to start courses mid-way through an ongoing semester, or leave a school before the semester is finished. This isn’t possible at most private schools, but it is possible at Fusion.

Remediation Programs to Help Students Catch Up

Not every private school in North Carolina provides extra remedial classes when students fall behind with core courses like literacy and math. Fusion makes sure all students stay on top of remedial classes, which are offered in the same 1-to-1 model.

For example, our Reading Skills and Strategies is a comprehensive reading remediation program designed to address all aspects of reading success:

  • Self-study through an online platform.
  • Direct instruction from a teacher on a 1-to-1 basis.
  • Soft skills development to increase intrinsic motivation and executive functioning.

For the online component, Fusion Academy partnered with Lexia, a leader in evidence-based literacy solutions with 40 years of experience. Lexia’s PowerUp Literacy software breaks literacy into three key strands: word study, comprehension skills, and grammar.

Unlike other self-paced programs that rely solely on student-driven learning, Lexia’s AI-based software allows for flexible transitions between self-directed study and teacher-led instruction, adapting to the student’s needs.

The program typically begins with a placement test to pinpoint the student’s reading gaps, helping both the student and teacher determine the appropriate grade level.

We also have a remedial math program which combines direct instruction from a teacher with self-study using a math software called ALEKS.

ALEKS online learning platform example:

ALEKS is powered by a state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm which allows us to tailor math problems to the exact level a student is at. That might sound highly technical, but ALEKS is also designed to be engaging enough that students want to use it at home to practice. The inclusion of direct instruction from a teacher helps keep students accountable, and also gives them someone to turn to when they get stuck.

Beyond these two remedial programs, Fusion also offers private classes for credit across 300 different courses, including History, Spanish and Chemistry. So, if your child needs to catch up with any subject at all, we can schedule classes so they can get the support they need.

Ensuring Students Find Their Path After High School

Great schools know that the true purpose of education goes beyond just achieving top SAT scores. It’s about preparing students for success in life. A key part of that is helping them discover the path they want to follow after high school.

Many private schools in North Carolina offer some form of post-secondary counseling, often centered around how to get into college. But Fusion takes this a step further, focusing the discussion on where the student is in their individual education journey and what would help them the most.

One student and one teacher in a Fusion Academy classroom.

For example, while many private schools may not offer post-secondary support to freshmen and sophomores, we guide our 9th and 10th graders in selecting extracurricular activities that will set them up for success if they choose to pursue a college path.

In other cases, we help juniors explore different college options, put together a college list, and lay out a timeline for the entire application process. Quite a challenging task to do alone — but we’re here to help students through it.

But, what if a student decides college isn’t the right fit? In that case, we can help them explore alternative paths. Some popular options include:

  • A gap year in Europe
  • An internship in a local business
  • Learning a trade at a vocational school
  • Military service
  • Transition programs for students with disabilities

Opportunities to Connect Socially with Other Students

Even in traditional private schools many students struggle socially. Some have trouble making friends, while others end up with the wrong crowd.

In an effort to help all students develop enduring friendships, Fusion teachers are trained to spot opportunities to help students connect with each other. For example, if a teacher notices a student sitting by themselves, they may encourage them to join another group of students who have similar interests. In our small campus environment, school leaders get to know each individual student, forming a mentoring relationship and creating opportunities for connection with peers.

Fusion also offers a variety of clubs and activities to allow students to connect over their hobbies. Particularly popular ones over the years have included DnD, film, photography, yoga, Model United Nations, and even video games.

The location on campus where these clubs take place is called the Homework Cafe. Each Fusion has two such cafes. The first is a social place where students can hang out and bond over shared interests, while the second is a quiet space for doing homework. This stops students from having to take homework home with them — which is another benefit that most private schools don’t offer.

Students studying and socializing in the Homework Café

Even if you attend Fusion Global Academy, there’s a digital Homework Cafe and plenty of opportunities for students to connect to each other online.

Tuition

Tuition costs at Fusion vary according to which campus you choose.

Here’s the pricing for Charlotte and Raleigh:

Charlotte and Raleigh Tuition 2024

At Chapel Hill, the pricing is structured slightly differently:

Chapel Hill Tuition 2024

Questions? Feel free to reach out to us.

2. Davidson Day School

Davidson Day School homepage

Located in the Lake Norman region north of Charlotte, Davidson Day School serves students between the ages of 2–18. Davidson Day is a successful college-prep school, with 100% of students from the class of 2024 going on to attend college, many of those on 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 their 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 actually won the cup outright in both 2020 and 2024.

3. Cary Academy

Cary Academy homepage

Cary Academy is a nonsectarian private high school located in Cary, between Raleigh and Durham. The school is known for providing students with a well-rounded education, particularly through 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.

4. Ravenscroft School

Ravenscroft School homepage

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.

Ravenscroft 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.

5. Charlotte Latin School

Charlotte Latin School homepage

Charlotte Latin School is an independent, coeducational, 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 U.S., where Middle and Upper School engineering students create real-world products. The Fab Lab allows collaboration with an international network of engineers, entrepreneurs, and students. It includes advanced equipment such as a laser cutter, milling machine, and precision tools for creating 3D structures and circuit boards.

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 for Leadership Development, a senior lounging area, and a student commons with a cafe for community interaction.

6. Greensboro Day School

Greensboro Day School homepage

Greensboro Day School (GDS) is an independent college-preparatory school serving students from preschool through grade 12. With 19 AP courses and an average class size of 16 students, this is a school with a strong academic tradition. Nowhere is this truer than in the school’s popular STEAM curriculum, which integrates art and design into the traditional STEM fields. The Imaginarium, GDS’s makerspace, serves as the center for this curriculum, offering students a variety of tools to construct their projects, including 3D printers and laser cutters.

This is a school that helps set students up for professional success after education. Upper school students participate in a curriculum called CLEAR Labs once a week, designed to equip them with life skills such as financial literacy, public speaking, and leadership. Additionally, seniors complete a four-week internship at the end of their time in high school to explore career interests and gain professional experience.

GDS is also renowned for its athletic prowess. In particular, the Boys Basketball Team has won 11 State Championships, while the Girls Soccer Team has claimed 12.

7. Salem Academy

Salem Academy homepage

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, with students coming from across the state and the country. This international school has nearly 25% of girls coming from overseas countries like Germany, Trinidad and China.

Salem Academy is firmly orientated towards college preparation. It actually 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.

8. Durham Academy

Durham Academy homepage

Durham Academy is an independent, coeducational day school in Durham, North Carolina, serving 1,247 students from pre-kindergarten to grade 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 help students with the transition from middle school to high school, as well as the one-to-one college counseling offered from sophomore year onwards.

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 XIV Hours has been featured multiple times in national Best of High School A Cappella compilations. Additionally, the debate team has achieved significant success, winning national and regional competitions, including the National Speech and Debate Association National Championship and various state championships.

A Personalized Private School Experience

We’re confident that Fusion Academy offers the best private school experience in the state of North Carolina. Our 1-to-1 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.

We’d love to hear from you!

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