For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 6,060 students in 28216, NC (there are 5 private schools, serving 373 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 28216, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28216, NC are Northwest School Of The Arts, Lincoln Heights Montessori and Oaklawn Language Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28216 have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28216, NC have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28216, NC Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwest School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1415 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5500
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5500
Gr: 6-12 | 993 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Heights Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1900 New Castle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9442
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9442
Gr: PK-6 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #33.
Oaklawn Language Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1810 Oaklawn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-0400
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-0400
Gr: K-8 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #44.
Mountain Island Lake Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
7905 Pleasant Grove Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6948
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6948
Gr: PK-8 | 766 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #55.
West Charlotte High School
Magnet School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2219 Senior Dr
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6060
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6060
Gr: 9-12 | 2,008 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Oakdale Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1825 Oakdale Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6076
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6076
Gr: PK-5 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Hornets Nest Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6700 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6110
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6110
Gr: PK-5 | 601 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #88.
University Park Creative Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2400 Hildebrand St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5178
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5178
Gr: K-5 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Movement School Northwest
Charter School
8015 Bellhaven Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 431-5330
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 431-5330
Gr: K-2 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
28216, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1900 Newcastle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9306
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9306
Gr: 3-5 | 864 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
1900 Newcastle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-3066
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-3066
Gr: 6-8 | 946 students Student-teacher ratio: 50:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
1900 Newcastle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6067
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6067
Gr: K-5
1810 Oaklawn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-0400
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-0400
Gr: K-3 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28216, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28216, NC include Northwest School Of The Arts, Lincoln Heights Montessori and Oaklawn Language Academy.
How many public schools are located in 28216?
9 public schools are located in 28216.
What percentage of students in 28216 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 28216 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28216?
28216 public schools minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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