For the 2025-26 school year, there are 862 private schools serving 136,490 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 $12,711 for elementary schools and $14,095 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in North Carolina include Cary Academy, Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, and Asheville Christian Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 81% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 24% and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1.
Top-Ranked North Carolina Private Schools by County (2025-26)
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in North Carolina?
The top-ranked private schools in North Carolina include Cary Academy, Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, and Asheville Christian Academy.
How many private schools are located in North Carolina?
There are 862 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 $12,711 for elementary schools and $14,095 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?
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
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