North Carolina Private Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 880 private schools serving 137,057 students in North Carolina, versus 2,729 public schools serving 1,548,397 students (8% of K-12 students attend private schools, vs. national average 10%).
The average private school tuition is $11,557 for elementary schools and $12,538 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
59% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian or Baptist.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Private Schools: 880
  • # Students Served: 137,057
  • Average Tuition: $12,013
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 31%
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Average Class Size: 15 students
  • % Students of Color: 24%
  • View North Carolina School Trends

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Private Schools: 880
  • # Students Served: 137,057
  • Average Tuition: $12,013
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 31%
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Average Class Size: 15 students
  • % Students of Color: 24%
  • View North Carolina School Trends

Top Ranked North Carolina Private Schools (2026-27)

The Epiphany School Of Global Studies Photo
Gr: K-12 | 487 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Sports: 11 | Extracurriculars: 11
Christian
2301 Trent Road
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 638-0122
Fusion Academy Charlotte Photo
Gr: 4-12
Alternative School
3540 Toringdon Way, Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28277
(877) 673-8893
Greensboro Montessori School Photo
Gr: NS-8 | 277 students
Avg. class size: 21 students
Sports: 5
Montessori School
2856 Horse Pen Creek Rd
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 668-0119
(3)
Hill Learning Center Photo
Gr: 1-12 | 166 students
Avg. class size: 4 students
Extracurriculars: 9
Special Education School
3200 Pickett Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 489-7464
(4)
JLSA Photo
Gr: K-12
Avg. class size: 8 students
Extracurriculars: 7
Alternative School
1434 Farrington Road
Apex, NC 27523
(919) 387-9440
(7)
Raleigh Day School Photo
Gr: PK-5 | 32 students
Avg. class size: 9 students
Extracurriculars: 5
Waldorf School
12804 Norwood Road
Raleigh, NC 27613
(919) 238-9201
(17)
The Raleigh School Photo
Gr: NS-5 | 404 students
Avg. class size: 22 students
Extracurriculars: 3
1141 Raleigh School Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 546-0788
(13)
Saint Mary's School Photo
Gr: 9-12 | 309 students
Avg. class size: 14 students
Sports: 13 | Extracurriculars: 40
All-girls (Episcopal)
900 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 424-4100
(2)
Trinity Academy Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 536 students
Avg. class size: 600 students
Sports: 11
Christian
10224 Baileywick Rd
Raleigh, NC 27613
(919) 786-0114
(3)
Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 637 students
Avg. class size: 18 students
Sports: 9 | Extracurriculars: 19
Christian
4011 Pickett Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 402-8262
(5)
Show 10 more private schools in North Carolina (out of 879 total schools)
Loading...

North Carolina Private School Trends (10-Year)

Download state snapshot: CSV | XML | JSON Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in North Carolina?
The top-ranked private schools in North Carolina include Cape Fear Academy, Cary Christian School, and Asheville Christian Academy.
How many private schools are located in North Carolina?
There are 880 private schools are located in North Carolina.
How much do private schools cost in North Carolina?
The average private school tuition in North Carolina is $11,557 for elementary schools and $12,538 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in North Carolina?
Approximately 24% of students in North Carolina private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in North Carolina go to private school?
8% of all K-12 students in North Carolina attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in North Carolina?
59% of private schools in North Carolina are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian or Baptist.
Which private schools in North Carolina are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Private School Tuition Insurance: Is It Worth Buying?
Private School Tuition Insurance: Is It Worth Buying?
Is private school tuition insurance worth buying? Learn what policies cover, compare costs and exclusions, and decide whether protecting your tuition investment makes financial sense for your family.
Medical Leave and Private School Tuition: Parent Guide
Medical Leave and Private School Tuition: Parent Guide
What happens to private school tuition during medical leave? Learn about refunds, tuition insurance, enrollment contracts, financial aid, and protecting your child's education while managing unexpected medical expenses and recovery.
Private School Commute: Is the Travel Time Worth It?
Private School Commute: Is the Travel Time Worth It?
Is the commute to private school worth it? Learn how to calculate travel time, protect family routines, assess student well-being, and decide whether a longer journey makes educational sense.