Learning about schools is at the top of most newcomers’ lists. Families new to the Charlotte area will find a wealth of educational opportunities here, including public, private and parochial schools.

The Charlotte region’s public school systems offer solid, broad programs that meet the needs of a wide range of students, from special needs to academically gifted, college prep to technical. North Carolina has traditionally encouraged consolidation of public systems so that many counties have a single school system. While many systems have consolidated, some remain fiercely independent, such as Mooresville Graded School District in southern Iredell County. York County, S.C., also has four public school systems, each with its own distinct qualities.

The largest public school system in the Carolinas is Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). This system was ranked 23rd largest in the nation in 2003-2004, with over 116,000 students enrolled in 148 schools.

The issue of pupil assignment is a large one in the CMS system. From the early 1970s to spring 2002, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools operated under a federal court desegregation order that placed emphasis on assigning pupils to schools to achieve a balanced racial mix. That court order has now ended and Charlotte-Mecklenburg has launched a new assignment plan that offers a K-12 feeder system, choice opportunities, stability, guaranteed school assignment and diversity through choice by letting parents decide which school is right for their child. For complete details on the current assignment plan, check the CMS website at http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/.

CMS will continue to provide top-rated educational opportunities such as The Bright Beginnings program. This program offers a literacy-rich curriculum to 3,000 4-year-olds who might otherwise start kindergarten already behind other students. The program has proven its worth by preparing students to be on par with or ahead of their peers as they begin elementary school.

CMS features an innovative magnet school program that provides opportunities for students to pursue specific interests in their education. Fifteen magnet programs in 54 schools (see list) focus on such subjects as foreign language immersion; communication arts; math, science and technology; visual and performing arts; and accelerated learning.

The CMS system is rightly proud of its steadily improving performance in such areas as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and end-of-grade tests. In 2003, the top 10 percent of CMS graduates outperformed their peers statewide and nationally, scoring 1228 on the SAT, compared to 1185 for the top 10 percent in North Carolina and 1192 for the top 10 percent in the U.S.

CMS participates in the state’s ABCs of Public Education Accountability Program, which establishes standards for performance and improvement for every public school and then assesses the school using results on end-of-grade tests. The program ensures that schools are meeting the educational standards set up by the state and rewards schools that exceed their goals. Check the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s website at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ for details on the ABCs at the schools you’re considering.

A common theme among all Charlotte-region schools is growth. The tremendous increase in population is causing a surge in school enrollment, often putting classroom space, money and resources at a premium. Throughout this area, public and private schools are studying projections for growth and considering options to meet the demand for school services. As you check out the schools you’re considering, you’ll certainly see plenty of new construction and expansion projects under way, as well as plenty of modular units (mobile classrooms).

The Charlotte region also has a wealth of independent secular and religious private schools. Some large, well-established schools have huge campuses; others are small and new. There’s even a parochial school system, Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, which encompasses the county’s seven parochial schools (but not the Catholic schools in Gastonia and Rock Hill). You’ll find a range of educational offerings, including innovative programs, special classes for students with learning disabilities, religious training and character-building. Because each private school has its own distinct philosophy and approach to learning, you’ll want to research schools, talk to parents and take a tour.

Charter schools are another education option in the Charlotte region. Charter schools, which originated in Minnesota in the early 1990s, are independently operated public schools designed to serve as laboratories for innovation in education. Created and run by parents, teachers and/or community leaders, charter schools receive the same per-pupil funding as other public schools. However, they can spend the money and operate with fewer restrictions and government rules.

The N.C. Board of Education must approve charter schools before they can begin operation. In addition, these schools must undergo periodic reviews to determine that they’re meeting regulations and standards. There are eight charter schools in Mecklenburg County, two in Gaston County, three in Iredell County and one in Union County.

T.ORTEGA GAINES/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

Public School Contact
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/

All CMS numbers use the 980 area code as of June 30, 2003.

Education Center
switchboard - 980-343-6220
Exceptional children - 980-343-6960
International center - 980-343-3784
Magnet schools - 980-343-5030
Public information - 980-343-7450
Student placement - 980-343-5335
Superintendent - 980-343-6270
Talent development - 980-343-6955
Transportation - 980-343-6715

Cabarrus County Schools
704-786-6191
http://www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/

Gaston County Schools
704-866-6100
http://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/

Iredell-Statesville Schools
704-872-8931
http://www.iss.k12.nc.us/

Mooresville Graded School District
704-664-5553
www.mgsd.k12.nc.us

Union County Schools
704-283-3733
 http://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/

For more information on N.C. public schools, check the state Department
of Public Instruction’s Web site (http://www.ncpublicschools.org/) or call
the department at 919-807-3300.

SOUTH CAROLINA
York County District 1 (York)
803-684-9916
http://www.york.k12.sc.us/

York County District 2 (Clover)
803-222-7191
http://www.clover.k12.sc.us/

York County District 3 (Rock Hill)
803-981-1000
http://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/

York County District 4 (Fort Mill)
803-548-2527
http://www.fort-mill.k12.sc.us/

For more information on S.C. public schools, visit the state Department of Education’s Web site, http://www.myscschools.com/or call public information at 803-734-8815.


Private School Contact
Adventist Christian Academy
4601 Emory Ln.
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-366-4351
PreK-10

Back Creek Christian Academy
1821 Back Creek Church Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-4104
PreK-3
http://academy.backcreekchurch.org/

Believers Faith Center Christian Academy
336 Brookview Rd.
Statesville, NC 28687
704-873-5484
PreK-12
http://www.believersfaithcenter.com/

Bible Baptist Christian School
2724 Margaret Wallace Rd.
Matthews, NC 28105
704-535-1694
K-12
http://www.biblebaptistministries.org/

Blessed Sacrament Academy
2024 Sam Newell Road
Matthews, NC 28105
704-841-2292
K-5
http://www.blessedsacramentacademy.org/

Brisbane Academy
5901 Statesville Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28269
704-598-5208
PreK-12
http://www.brisbaneacademy.org/

Calvary Christian School
8101 Fallsdale Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28214
704-394-5566
K-12

Cannon School
5801 Poplar Tent Rd.
Concord, NC 28027
704-786-8171
PreK-12
http://www.cannonschool.org/

Carmel Christian School
1145 Pineville-Matthews Rd.
Matthews, NC 28105
704-849-9723
K-8
http://www.carmelchristian.org/

Cathedral of the Cross Christian School
13925 Erwin Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28273
704-504-0442 ext. 12
K-12

Charlotte Christian School
7301 Sardis Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28270
704-366-5657
JK-12
http://www.charlottechristian.com/

Charlotte Country Day School
1440 Carmel Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-943-4500
JK-12
http://www.charlottecountryday.org/

Charlotte Islamic School
1700 Progress Ln.
Charlotte, NC 28205
704-537-7774
K-7
http://www.charlotteislamicschool.org/

Charlotte Jewish Day School
P.O. Box 21209
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-366-4558
K-5
http://www.cjdschool.com/

Charlotte Latin School
9502 Providence Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-846-1100
PreK-12
http://www.charlottelatin.org/

Charlotte Lutheran School
1225 E. Morehead St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
704-372-7738
PK-5
http://www.charlottelutheran.org/

Charlotte Preparatory School
212 Boyce Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-366-5994
TK-8
http://www.charlotteprep.com/

Chesterbrook Academy
7801 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-544-6844
PreK-7

Countryside Montessori School
9100 Olmsted Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-547-1091
Primary-8
http://www.countrysidemontessorischool.org/

Covenant Classical School
3200 Patrick Henry Dr.
Concord, NC 28027
704-792-1854
K-12
http://www.covenantclassical.org/

Covenant Day School
800 Fullwood Ln.
Matthews, NC 28105
704-847-2385
K-9
http://www.covenantday.org/

Cramerton Christian Academy
426 Woodlawn Ext.
Cramerton, NC 28032
704-824-2840
PreK-12

Dore Academy
1727 Providence Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28207
704-365-5490
grades 1-12
http://www.doreacademy.org/
(ADHD/learning disabilities)

First Assembly Christian Academy
777 S. Myrtle School Rd.
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-853-1777
Primary-12

First Assembly Christian School
154 Warren C. Coleman Blvd.
Concord, NC 28027
704-793-4740
PreK-12
http://www.fachristianschool.org/

First Assembly Christian School
2633 Eastway Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28205
704-537-0005
PreK-8

First Wesleyan Christian School
208A S. Church St.
Gastonia, NC 28054
704-865-9823
PreK-8

The Fletcher School
8500 Sardis Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28270
704-365-4658
http://www.thefletcherschool.org/
K-12 (learning disabilities)

Garr Christian Academy
7700 Wallace Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28212
704-568-7700
PreK-7
http://www.garrchristianacademy.org/

Gaston Christian Schools
200 Mercy Drive
Belmont, NC 28012
Parkwood Campus
(elementary), Gastonia
704-864-2700
Catawba Heights Campus
(elementary), Belmont
704-827-8659
Belmont Campus
(grades 7-12), Belmont
704-825-9000
PreK-12
http://www.gcsinc.org/

Gaston Day School
2001 Gaston Day School Rd.
Gastonia, NC 28056
704-864-7744
PreK-12
http://www.gastonday.org/

Hickory Grove Baptist Christian School
6050 Hickory Grove Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28215
704-531-4008
K-8
http://www.hgbcs.org/

Lake Norman Day School
14101 Stumptown Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-1801
PreK-6
http://www.lakenormandayschool.com/

Northside Christian Academy
333 Jeremiah Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-596-4074
K-12
http://www.ncaknights.com/

Omni Montessori Center
9536 Blakeney Heath Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-541-1326
Primary-6
http://www.omni-montessori.org/

Paw Creek Christian Academy
5110 Tuckaseegee Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28208
704-391-0588
K-12
http://www.pawcreek.org/

Providence Christian School
4906 Providence Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-364-0824 ß K-5
http://www.providencechristschool.org/

Providence Day School
5800 Sardis Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28270
704-887-7041 ß TK-12
http://www.providenceday.org/

Resurrection Christian School
2825 Shenandoah Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28205
704-334-9898
PreK-12

Rock Hill Christian Academy
1089 Edwards St.
Rock Hill, SC 29732
803-366-5995
Primary-6

St. Anne School
1698 Bird St., Rock Hill, SC 29730
803-324-4814
PreK-8
http://www.stanneschool.com/

St. Michael’s Catholic School
704 St. Michael’s Ln.
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-865-4382
PreK-8
www.stmichaelsgastonia.org/stmichaelsschool

SouthLake Christian Academy
13901 Hager’s Ferry Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-949-2200
K-12
http://www.southlakechristian.com/

Statesville Montessori School
1012 Harmony Dr.
Statesville, NC 28677
704-873-1092
PreK-8
http://www.statesvillemontessori.com/

Trinity Episcopal School
1510 E. 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
704-358-8101
K-5
http://www.tescharlotte.org/

Trinity Christian School
505 University Dr.
Rock Hill, SC 29730
803-366-3121
PreK-12
http://www.trinityrh.org/

United Faith Christian Academy
8617 Providence Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-541-1742
P3-12
http://www.ufca.org/

Victory Christian Academy
310 Carolina Ave.
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-865-7132
PreK-12

Westminster Catawba Christian School
2650 India Hook Rd.
Rock Hill, SC 29732
803-366-4119
Primary-12
http://www.wccs.org/

Woodlawn Christian School
4622 Nations Crossing Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28217
704-523-3978
K-8

Note: List does not include schools in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system (http://www.charlottediocese.org/catholic%20schools), which require application through the MACS central office, or many smaller independent schools.

Magnet School Programs
Accelerated Learning (K-5)
First Ward Elementary

Center for Leadership and Global Economics (K-12)
Winding Springs Elementary
Beverly Woods Elementary
Eastway Middle
Kennedy Middle
Olympic High

Communication Arts (K-8)
Hornets Nest Elementary
Sharon Elementary
J.T. Williams Middle
Carmel Middle

Early College and Professional Development (9-12)
Waddell High

Foreign Language Schools (K-12)
Collinswood Elementary
Oaklawn Elementary
Smith Language Academy (K-8)
West Mecklenburg High

International Baccalaureate (K-12)
Cotswold Elementary
Huntingtowne Farms Elementary
Irwin Ave. Elementary
Statesville Road Elementary
Lansdowne Elementary
Paw Creek Elementary
Albemarle Road Middle
Davidson Middle
Piedmont Middle
Randolph Middle
Ranson Middle
Sedgefield Middle
East Mecklenburg High
Harding High
Myers Park High
North Mecklenburg High
West Charlotte High
Learning Immersion and
Talent Development (K-5)
Lincoln Heights Elementary
Tuckaseegee Elementary
Barringer Elementary
Villa Heights Elementary
Idlewild Elementary

Math/Science and Environmental Studies (K-12)
Morehead Elementary
Cochrane Middle
Harding High

Montessori (PK-5)
Highland Elementary
Park Road Elementary

Open (K-12)
Irwin Elementary
Piedmont Middle
West Charlotte High

Paideia (K-8)
Oakhurst Elementary
Sterling Elementary
Randolph Middle

Pre-Advanced Placement (6-8)
Piedmont Middle

Technical (9-12)
Berry Academy of Technology

Traditional (K-5)
Elizabeth Elementary
Myers Park Elementary

Visual and Performing Arts (K-12)
Dilworth Elementary
University Park Elementary
Northwest School of the Arts
Garinger High

Catholic Schools
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, operated by the Diocese of Charlotte, includes eight coeducational schools:

All Saints, Our Lady of the Assumption,

St. Ann, St. Gabriel, St. Mark and St. Patrick elementary schools, Holy Trinity Middle School and Charlotte Catholic High School. All are accredited by state and regional organizations.

The system has a volunteer school board and a full-time superintendent. To accommodate the growing demand for Catholic education, MACS is studying expansion needs, with particular attention to providing service in the city’s hot residential areas - south Charlotte, University City and north Mecklenburg.

Admission to MACS schools is handled by the school system’s central office, not by individual schools. Students are admitted year-round as seats are available. Applications for the following fall are submitted by January and students who are accepted are notified in March. Non-Catholics and nonparticipating parishioners can attend MACS on a space-available basis but at a higher tuition rate.

For more information on Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, call the MACS office, 704-370-0405, or visit http://www.charlottediocese.org/.