Serving 769 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Carolina International School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 769 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Carolina International School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Carolina International School's student population of 769 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
769 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
School Rankings
Carolina International School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Carolina International School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1438 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
4%
Hispanic
23%
21%
Black
40%
25%
White
25%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86%
Eligible for Free Lunch
5%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carolina International School's ranking?
Carolina International School is ranked #1438 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Carolina International School?
The graduation rate of Carolina International School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Carolina International School?
769 students attend Carolina International School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Carolina International School students are Black, 25% of students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Carolina International School?
Carolina International School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Carolina International School offer ?
Carolina International School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Carolina International School part of?
Carolina International School is part of Carolina International School District.
School Reviews
1 4/21/2020
I'm not sure what you have to do to be included in the school community, but we were never made to feel like part of anything. Minimal academic progress - we are actually seeing better progress since school closed due to the virus shutdown. Our child doesn't miss school at all. The most communication we ever received was related to (very mild) behaviors. I guess if you're part of the right crowd, this is a tight-knit community, but we can barely get straight answers regarding the dates of school events.
5 1/20/2020
We have been so happy at this school. Every single staff member and teacher I have encountered has been kind, caring and creative- and passionate about their job at CIS! Our daughter is thriving and we love being a part of this school family.
5 8/1/2019
This school has really made great progress over the years, improving their system, their teachers and programs. They seem to have a great team and everyone strives hard to accomplish the goal of providing an education to all students.
2 10/11/2010
My child has been enrolled at this school since Kindergarten. Besides the issues of embezzlement which led to severe financial difficulties, I have not found that this school has performed according to the standards that were presented at open house. My child is very bright but has had difficulties with behavior. He has mild ADHD. Neither his teachers nor administration has met his needs despite our efforts to assist them in doing so. There is a definite club-like atmosphere here . . . the parents run the school. My desire is for my child to have the best educational experience he can get and quite frankly, CIS HAS NOT met that expectation. Our neighborhood school has a better report card than CIS. We plan to go there.
5 7/19/2010
I have 2 children and have been a part of the school since it started. As a school we have had many wounderful times as well as many rough times. My oldest child is in 5th grade and has had a pretty good experience. Although we had a teacher who was not the greatest continue to move up as our children did, she has done very well and loves the school. Our son who has learning problems, did not fare as well, but loved the school. I would not hesitate to send a child to this school and we are looking forward to a new chapter as the school get a new director and principal. The previous made many parents feel put off and they did not seem to want parents at school. I will continue to support the school and be involved.
2 11/24/2008
As a teacher from both private and public schools in this area, I would beg parents to not put their child/children in this school. It is a joke academically and quite frankly, the cult like followers paint a wonderful, but (unfortunately for students and parents) an entirely fictitious picture of this so called charter school. I have found that most children in these classrooms are behind their public school peers in most academic areas. In fact, I have tutored many of these children. There is no evidence to back up the claims that this school is better academically than others in the area. In fact, if you do your research, you will find the opposite to be true. People and some of the parents in this school have the misconception that because it is a charter school, it must stand up to more rigorous standards. This is entirely false. Call the NC of Public Instruction and find out for yourself the complaints against Carolina International School before you even think about placing your child here. It is very sad that new comers are deceived into believing that their child will grow more in this school than in their neighborhood schools. Do your research people. You might also find it interesting that every year, more than 1/2 of the staff leave this school. That says more than anything.
2 11/4/2007
Not worth all of the trouble once you get in. Test scores are so-so. Nothing there for Advanced/Gifted students. Teachers are pretty good, but held back by a messed up Administration.
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