Cannon School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025-26)

5801 Poplar Tent Rd
Concord, NC 28027

www.cannonschool.org

Founded in 1969, Cannon School is a nationally accredited, independent college preparatory school in Concord, N.C.

serving students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12. Welcoming families from across the greater Charlotte region, Cannon delivers a complex academic experience in a nurturing environment where each student is known, valued, and empowered to grow.

On its 65-acre campus, students thrive through academics, arts, athletics, and character education.

Premier facilities like the Texas Grace Audio Lab, Cindric Performing Arts Center, three makerspaces, and state-of-the-art athletic complexes reflect Cannon's commitment to whole-child education.

Grounded in core values-courage, teamwork, respect, integrity, passion, and kindness-Cannon fosters a strong sense of belonging and purpose where students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked NC School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 1,039 students
Yearly Tuition: $30,690
Acceptance rate: 25%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

School News

Cannon School Celebrates 2,000 Alumni Milestone - 08/21/2025
As Cannon School opened its doors to students on August 14, the campus was filled with not only the energy of a new school year but also the pride of ...morea historic achievement: Cannon has now graduated more than 2,000 alumni since its founding as Cabarrus Academy in 1969.This milestone marks a moment of reflection and celebration for the independent college preparatory school, which has long prioritized relational teaching, academic excellence, and character development."Crossing the 2,000-alumni mark is a powerful reminder of Cannon's lasting impact," said Head of School Mike Drew, now in his second year leading the school. "It's not just about the number. It's about the thousands of stories, contributions, and lives shaped by their time here." hide

Top Rankings

Cannon School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools (SACS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1969

Colors

Maroon, Gold

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Last Day of School

Mon. May 25, 2026

Campus Size

65 acres

Student Body

Total Students

1,039 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

21%

State avg.: 23%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

132 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

57%

Average Class Size

15 students

Number of AP Courses

19 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$30,690

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Please visit our website for current tuition and fees: www.cannonschool.org

% on Financial Aid

20%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$7,200

Acceptance Rate

25%

National avg.: 81%

Admissions Director

Mr. William Diskin

Admissions Associate

Hannah Holliway

Endowment Size

$50 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

15 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

CheeringCross Country

Track and FieldVolleyball

Wrestling

School Notes

School Motto: Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth.
School Mascot: Cougar

Founded in 1969 and nestled on a scenic 65-acre campus in Concord, N.C., Cannon School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school serving over 1,000 students from junior kindergarten through Grade 12. Nationally accredited and regionally recognized, Cannon delivers a world-class education that blends complex academics, vibrant arts, competitive athletics, and a strong focus on character development within a supportive community.At Cannon, every student is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. The school's approach to education is centered on the belief that strong relationships are at the heart of meaningful learning. Through relational teaching, faculty foster authentic connections that fuel curiosity, build confidence, and empower students to take ownership of their learning. Guided by the principles of Autonomy, Belonging, and Competence, students gain not only knowledge, but also the critical thinking and adaptive skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Cannon's campus is designed to inspire. From three makerspaces to the Texas Grace Audio Lab and an Esports gaming lab, students across all divisions have access to tools that spark creativity and encourage exploration. The 11,000-square-foot Cindric Performing Arts Center is a dynamic venue for theater productions, musical performances, and community events. Athletics are equally supported with a modern turf field, new fieldhouse and stadium, multiple gymnasiums, and a dedicated strength and conditioning center.Academically, Cannon challenges students to think deeply and engage fully. Signature learning experiences in Upper School, along with immersive Project Weeks in Middle and Lower School, ensure that students apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Whether presenting a solution to a complex issue or collaborating on a hands-on project, students develop essential skills in problem-solving, communication, and adaptability that prepare them for success in college and beyond.Cannon's personalized College Counseling Program reflects the school's commitment to knowing and supporting every student. With a standout 28:1 student-to-counselor ratio, counselors build lasting relationships and thoughtfully guide students through the college selection and application process, empowering them to take the next step with clarity and confidence.Character education is woven into daily life at Cannon. Through a robust advisory system, leadership programming, and schoolwide traditions like House Games, students learn and grow together. These experiences foster strong peer and faculty relationships and reinforce the school's core values of courage, integrity, passion, respect, teamwork, and kindness.A strong sense of community is one of Cannon's greatest strengths. Faculty, staff, coaches, students, and families work together in true partnership to support every student's academic, social, and emotional growth. This collaborative environment creates a safe, inclusive space where students feel connected and confident in their journey.Envisioning a world of wholehearted and adaptive contributors, Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth.Learn more at www.cannonschool.org.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cannon School cost?

Cannon School's tuition is approximately $30,690 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Cannon School?

The acceptance rate of Cannon School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Cannon School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in North Carolina with low acceptance rates.

What sports does Cannon School offer?

Cannon School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, E-sports, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Cannon School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for most sports offered.

What is Cannon School's ranking?

Cannon School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Largest endowments.

When is the application deadline for Cannon School?

The application deadline for Cannon School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5 6/13/2025

Thank you, Cannon, for an amazing year! Watching my child grow in an environment where he is truly seen has been wonderful to watch. Thank you faculty and staff, for all that you do!

- Posted by Parent - Parent of 4th Grader

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