For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public charter schools serving 2,719 students in Cabarrus County, NC.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Cabarrus County, NC are Concord Lake Steam Academy, Carolina International School and A.c.e. Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cabarrus County, NC public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the North Carolina public charter school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 59% statewide average). Charter schools in Cabarrus County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public charter school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Cabarrus County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Concord Lake Steam Academy
Charter School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1911 Concord Lake Road
Kannapolis, NC 28083
(704) 273-5310
Kannapolis, NC 28083
(704) 273-5310
Gr: K-8 | 856 students Student-teacher ratio: 48:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #22.
Carolina International School
Charter School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
9545 Poplar Tent Road
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 455-3847
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 455-3847
Gr: K-12 | 744 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #33.
A.c.e. Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
7807 Caldwell Road
Harrisburg, NC 28075
(704) 456-7153
Harrisburg, NC 28075
(704) 456-7153
Gr: K-8 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Valor Preparatory Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
355 Poplar Crossing Dr Nw
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 789-2500
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 789-2500
Gr: K-12 | 608 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Cabarrus County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
525 East C Street
Kannapolis, NC 28083
(704) 932-4161
Kannapolis, NC 28083
(704) 932-4161
Gr: 5-6 | 821 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
120 Marsh Avenue Nw
Concord, NC 28025
(704) 793-1736
Concord, NC 28025
(704) 793-1736
Gr: 5-8 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Stonewall Jackson School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
1484 Old Charlotte Rd
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 786-9163
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 786-9163
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Cabarrus County, NC?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Cabarrus County, NC include Concord Lake Steam Academy, Carolina International School and A.c.e. Academy.
How many public charter schools are located in Cabarrus County?
4 public charter schools are located in Cabarrus County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cabarrus County?
Cabarrus County public charter schools minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public charter schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Cabarrus County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Cabarrus County include: A.c.e. Academy vs. Carolina International School, Valor Preparatory Academy vs. Carolina International School, A.c.e. Academy vs. Valor Preparatory Academy
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.