St. Stephens Lutheran School Photo

Best Catawba County Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 17 private schools serving 2,233 students in Catawba County, NC (there are 45 public schools, serving 22,551 public students). 9% of all K-12 students in Catawba County, NC are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
The top ranked private schools in Catawba County, NC include Concordia Christian Day School, Hickory Christian Academy, and Tabernacle Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 84%, which is higher than the North Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 80%.
71% of private schools in Catawba County, NC are religiously affiliated (most commonly Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Christian).

Top Ranked Catawba County Private Schools (2025-26)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Concordia Christian Day School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
215 5th Avenue SE
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 464-3011
Gr: PK-8 | 280 students Avg. class size: 24 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 1 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Hickory Christian Academy
(Christian)
3260 6th St. Dr. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-5405
Gr: PK-12 | 520 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Johns Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
2126 Saint Johns Church Rd
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 464-4071
Gr: K-4 | 27 students
St. Stephens Lutheran School
St. Stephens Lutheran School Photo
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
(3)
2304 Springs Rd NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2166
Gr: PK-8 | 228 students Avg. class size: 24 students Sports: 10 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Tabernacle Christian School
(Baptist)
(1)
1225 29th Avenue Dr NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-9936
Gr: K-12 | 287 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
University Christian High School
University Christian High School Photo - University Christian High School - North Campus
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
(3)
602 7th Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 855-2995
Gr: 9-12 | 151 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition listed
Christian Family Academy
(Christian)
(1)
1409 NC-16
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 468-5974
Gr: K-12 | 237 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Special Education School (Christian)
231 3rd Ave. Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 781-2227
Gr: 2-12 | 20 students
Fairgrove KinderCare
Daycare / Preschool
1031 Fairgrove Church SE
Conover, NC 28613
(704) 325-3041
Gr: NS-PK
Hickory Day School
Hickory Day School Photo - Mayor Rudy Wright came to speak about different types of government.
(2)
2535 21st Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9492
Gr: K-8 | 136 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 13 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Johnston Wh Elementary School
Johnston Wh Elementary School Photo
(Seventh Day Adventist)
174 23rd St NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-4005
Gr: K-8 | 19 students
Kinderkids At St. Luke's Umc Cdc
Daycare / Preschool (Methodist)
52 16th Avenue Nw
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-4010
Gr: NS | 92 students
Little Folks School East
Daycare / Preschool
410 21st Street Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-9983
Gr: NS-PK | 62 students
Montessori At Sandy Ford
Montessori School
2931 Sandy Ford Rd
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 294-7478
Gr: PK-8 | 63 students Avg. class size: 15 students
Mt. Olive Lutheran Child Devel
Daycare / Preschool (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
2780 N Center St
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-0120
Gr: PK-K | 100 students
Nc Boys Academy
All-boys (Christian)
6692 Valwood Rd
Conover, NC 28613
(540) 220-9482
Gr: 7-12 | 11 students
Rainbow Child Care Center of Conover Rock Barn
Daycare / Preschool
401 Rockbarn Rd
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 464-6319
Gr: NS-PK

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Catawba County, NC?
The top ranked private schools in Catawba County, NC include Concordia Christian Day School, Hickory Christian Academy, and Tabernacle Christian School.
How many private schools are located in Catawba County?
17 private schools are located in Catawba County.
How diverse are private schools in Catawba County?
Catawba County private schools are approximately 11% minority students, which is lower than the North Carolina private school average of 23%.
What percentage of students in Catawba County go to private school?
9% of all K-12 students in Catawba County are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Catawba County?
71% of private schools in Catawba County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Christian).
Which private schools in Catawba County are often viewed compared to one another?

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