Best North Carolina Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 863 private schools serving 135,362 students in North Carolina (there are 2,761 public schools, serving 1,546,447 students). 8% of all K-12 students in North Carolina attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).

The average private school tuition is $12,725 for elementary schools and $14,126 for high schools (view national tuition averages).

The private schools in North Carolina include Asheville Christian Academy, Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, and Cary Academy.

The average acceptance rate is 80% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 23% and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1.

60% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian or Baptist.

Fusion Academy Charlotte Photo - Each Fusion campus has a state-of-the-art music studio with professional-grade tools. Students can explore instruments, vocals, songwriting, DJ performing arts, and more.

Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill Photo - Trinity is located in Durham, North Carolina on 22 acres bordered by trails, creeks, and forests. Trinity is a CSI and SAIS-accredited independent school where children flourish in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through grade 12. We educate within the framework of Christian faith and conviction, teaching the classical tools of learning; providing a rich yet unhurried education; and communicating truth, goodness,

Wake Christian Academy Photo - Located in Raleigh, N.C., we`ve been one of Wake County`s leading private Christian schools for more than 50 years. While we`re known for our strong K-12 academic program, dedicated faculty and staff, and winning fine arts and athletic programs, we`re first and foremost a Christ-centered school. We invite you to discover Wake Christian Academy for yourself!

Fusion Academy Raleigh Photo - Classes at Fusion are one-to-one: one student and one teacher per classroom. Students have different teachers for different subjects, and teachers act as mentors in the one-to-one setting.

Saint Mary's School Photo - Saint Mary's School, an all-girls, Episcopal, college preparatory, boarding and day high school located on a 23-acre, historic campus in the heart of Raleigh, N.C. More at www.sms.edu.

Trinity Academy Photo - Innovative Classical Learning in an Authentic Christian Community

JLSA Photo - Specialized Core Curriculum & Environmental Science & Outdoor Education

The Epiphany School Of Global Studies Photo - Our Mission: The Epiphany School of Global Studies, anchored in the Judeo-Christian commandment to Love God and Your Neighbor as Yourself, is a comprehensive college-preparatory and globally-focused school where dynamic and innovative learning is stretched beyond the classroom walls, emphasizing the knowledge, skills, creativity, adaptability, curiosity, and international experiences students will need to flourish in an increasingly globalized 21st century.

Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School Photo

Berean Baptist Academy Photo - Berean Baptist Academy - Main Building

Hill Learning Center Photo - Hill Learning Center's campus is located at 3200 Pickett Road in Durham.

Thales Academy Photo - Thales Academy Rolesville JH/HS

Chesterbrook Academy - Raleigh Preschool Photo

Top Ranked North Carolina Private Schools by County (2025-26)

County

# Schools

# Students

% of K-12 Students in Private Schools

Alamance County

2,871

10%

<1%

109

555

423

18%

Bladen County

204

Brunswick County

793

Buncombe County

4,592

14%

590

2,864

229

613

2,233

251

<1%

247

161

1,340

10%

Cumberland County

6,217

10%

173

1,197

120

7,673

15%

Edgecombe County

Forsyth County

7,007

11%

<1%

3,306

156

8,622

10%

357

765

321

1,265

511

17%

<1%

1,483

161

844

1,288

1,160

12%

411

356

143

112

20,479

11%

Mitchell County

Montgomery County

189

Moore County

1,708

13%

Nash County

1,675

12%

New Hanover County

4,834

15%

210

2,211

1,079

259

13%

Pasquotank County

801

13%

Pender County

116

Person County

207

Pitt County

2,938

11%

928

406

386

413

1,551

423

937

10%

Scotland County

698

11%

425

302

204

113

263

2,720

740

118

21,859

10%

191

1,832

487

1,311

<1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in North Carolina?

The top-ranked private schools in North Carolina include Asheville Christian Academy, Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, and Cary Academy.

How many private schools are located in North Carolina?

There are 863 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 $12,725 for elementary schools and $14,126 for high schools

How diverse are private schools in North Carolina?

Approximately 23% 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?

60% 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?

Popular comparisons of private schools in North Carolina include: New Manna Christian School vs. Nebo Crossing Academy, Grace Academy vs. Mountain Pathways School, Davidson Green School vs. Davidson Day School

Recent Articles

October 06, 2025

Private School Jobs in 2025: Opportunities & Insights

Discover private school jobs in 2025, including salaries, benefits, and differences from public schools. Learn how to start your private school career.