Best North Carolina Private Schools (2024)

For the 2024 school year, there are 835 private schools serving 124,810 students in North Carolina (there are 2,752 public schools, serving 1,524,291 students). 8% of all K-12 students in North Carolina are educated in private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).

The average private school tuition is $9,748 for elementary schools and $10,648 for high schools (view national tuition averages).

The best private schools in North Carolina include The Raleigh School, Saint Mary's School and Raleigh Day School.

The average acceptance rate is 87% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 23% and the student:teacher ratio is 10:1.

60% of schools are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Baptist).

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 Charlotte 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.

Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill Photo - At Trinity School we are convinced that a vibrant Christian faith draws forth a rich and deep education. The Christian education we offer here involves the education of the whole person, created in God's image: We honor the life of the mind through the pursuit of deep understandings. We are a place where bright minds and open hearts meet.

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.

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.

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.

Noble Academy Photo - Using research-based instructional strategies, teachers are able to meet the unique learning needs of their students.

Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School Photo

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

Bethany Christian School Photo - Bethany Christian School 2015-2016

Wanchese Christian Academy Photo - Wanchese Christian Academy's first graders cutting out play dollars to spend on exceptional "mind" prizes won through their social studies class. Earning dollars is a result of earning and retaining knowledge.

Thales Academy Photo - Thales Academy Rolesville JH/HS

Guidepost Montessori at Lake Norman Photo - From farm to table: We have student-led composting and farming initiatives!

Hope Mills KinderCare Photo - Hope Mills KinderCare

New Life Christian Academy Photo - Fall Festival 2013

Kildare Farm KinderCare Photo - Kildare Farm KinderCare

Top Ranked North Carolina Private Schools by County (2024)

County

# Schools

# Students

% of K-12 Students in Private Schools

Alamance County

2,715

10%

<1%

446

400

17%

Bladen County

204

Brunswick County

936

Buncombe County

4,798

14%

543

2,676

202

481

2,055

240

<1%

227

207

1,199

5,936

10%

167

1,142

129

6,757

13%

Edgecombe County

Forsyth County

6,474

10%

<1%

2,895

165

8,042

428

591

313

1,169

520

17%

<1%

1,402

167

765

890

1,190

12%

343

317

101

18,389

10%

Mitchell County

124

Montgomery County

264

Moore County

1,651

13%

Nash County

1,147

New Hanover County

4,631

15%

202

1,988

1,074

259

13%

Pasquotank County

700

11%

Pender County

116

Person County

135

Pitt County

2,798

10%

748

399

353

307

1,475

279

801

407

351

302

164

115

209

2,154

670

111

20,991

10%

191

1,532

577

1,356

<1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in North Carolina?

The best private schools in North Carolina include The Raleigh School, Saint Mary's School and Raleigh Day School.

How many private schools are located in North Carolina?

835 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 $9,748 for elementary schools and $10,648 for high schools

How diverse are private schools in North Carolina?

North Carolina private schools are approximately 23% minority students (view national minority students).

What percentage of students in North Carolina go to private school?

8% of all K-12 students in North Carolina are educated in private schools (compared to 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 (most commonly Christian and Baptist).

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