Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Charlotte Public Preschools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 60 public preschools serving 33,544 students in Charlotte, NC.
The top ranked public preschools in Charlotte, NC are Hawk Ridge Elementary School, Highland Mill Montessori and Chantilly Montessori. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charlotte, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Charlotte have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Charlotte, NC (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hawk Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
9201 Bryant Farms Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5927
Gr: PK-5 | 801 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Highland Mill Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
3201 Clemson Ave
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-5525
Gr: PK-6 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Chantilly Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
701 Briar Creek Rd
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-0692
Gr: PK-6 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Lincoln Heights Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1900 New Castle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9442
Gr: PK-6 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #55.
Bain Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
11540 Bain School Rd
Charlotte, NC 28227
(980) 343-6915
Gr: PK-5 | 754 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #66.
Park Road Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3701 Haven Dr
Charlotte, NC 28209
(980) 343-5830
Gr: PK-6 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #77.
Endhaven Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
6815 Endhaven Ln
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5436
Gr: PK-5 | 756 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #88.
Mcalpine Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
9100 Carswell Ln
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-3750
Gr: PK-5 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #99.
Smithfield Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3200 Smithfield Church Rd
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-6550
Gr: PK-5 | 642 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #1010.
Allenbrook Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1430 Allenbrook Dr
Charlotte, NC 28208
(980) 343-6004
Gr: PK-5 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1111.
Idlewild Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
7101 Idlewild Rd
Charlotte, NC 28212
(980) 343-6411
Gr: PK-5 | 869 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #1212.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2945 Johnston-oehler Rd
Charlotte, NC 28269
(980) 343-9915
Gr: PK-5 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1313.
Shamrock Gardens Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3301 Country Club Drive
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-6440
Gr: PK-5 | 520 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1414.
Croft Community School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4911 Hucks Rd
Charlotte, NC 28269
(980) 343-0370
Gr: PK-5 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1515.
Clear Creek Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
13501 Albemarle Rd
Charlotte, NC 28227
(980) 343-6922
Gr: PK-5 | 443 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #1616.
Winget Park Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
12235 Winget Rd
Charlotte, NC 28278
(980) 343-1063
Gr: PK-5 | 701 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1717.
Lawrence Orr Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4835 Shamrock Dr
Charlotte, NC 28215
(980) 343-9919
Gr: PK-5 | 749 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1818.
Windsor Park Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
3910 Sudbury Rd
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-6405
Gr: PK-5 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1919.
Berewick Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5910 Dixie River Rd
Charlotte, NC 28278
(980) 344-1010
Gr: PK-5 | 771 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #2020.
Greenway Park Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
8301 Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC 28212
(980) 343-5060
Gr: PK-5 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #2121.
Whitewater Academy
(Math: 51% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
11600 White Rapids Rd
Charlotte, NC 28214
(980) 343-0003
Gr: PK-5 | 785 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #2222.
Lake Wylie Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
13620 Erwin Rd
Charlotte, NC 28273
(980) 343-3680
Gr: PK-5 | 584 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #2323.
Briarwood Academy
(Math: 50% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1001 Wilann Dr
Charlotte, NC 28215
(980) 343-6475
Gr: PK-5 | 687 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #2424.
Reedy Creek Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
10801 Plaza Rd Ext
Charlotte, NC 28215
(980) 343-6480
Gr: PK-5 | 881 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #2525.
Rama Road Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1035 Rama Rd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 343-6730
Gr: PK-5 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #2626.
Paw Creek Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1300 Cathey Rd
Charlotte, NC 28214
(980) 343-6088
Gr: PK-5 | 737 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2727.
Gov's Village Stem (Lower)
Magnet School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
7910 Neal Rd
Charlotte, NC 28262
(980) 343-5268
Gr: PK-4 | 807 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #2828.
Huntingtowne Farms Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2520 Huntingtowne Farms Ln
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-3625
Gr: PK-5 | 829 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #2929.
Mountain Island Lake Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
7905 Pleasant Grove Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6948
Gr: PK-8 | 802 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #3030.
Hidden Valley Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5100 Snow White Ln
Charlotte, NC 28213
(980) 343-6810
Gr: PK-5 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3131.
Winding Springs Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
6601 Horace Mann Rd
Charlotte, NC 28269
(980) 343-5140
Gr: PK-5 | 770 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #3232.
Lebanon Road Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
7300 Lebanon Rd
Charlotte, NC 28227
(980) 343-3640
Gr: PK-5 | 535 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #3333.
South Pine Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2541 Sandy Porter Rd
Charlotte, NC 28273
(980) 343-0765
Gr: PK-5 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #3434.
University Meadows Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1600 Pavilion Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28262
(980) 343-3685
Gr: PK-5 | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #3535.
Berryhill School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
10501 Windy Grove Rd
Charlotte, NC 28278
(980) 343-6100
Gr: PK-8 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Show 25 more public schools in Charlotte, NC (out of 60 total schools)
Loading...
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Carolina Stem Academy (Closed 2016)
No Local Address
Charlotte, NC 28269
(919) 807-3300
Charlotte Learning Academy (Closed 2020)
800 Briar Creek Rd., Dd400
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 355-2077
Gr: 6-12 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (Closed 2023)
756 Tyvola Road, Suite 744
Charlotte, NC 28217
(980) 343-3066
Gr: PK-12
Charlotte-mecklenburg Virtual Elementary School (Closed 2023)
1900 Newcastle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9306
Gr: 3-5 | 864 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Charlotte-mecklenburg Virtual Middle School (Closed 2023)
1900 Newcastle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-3066
Gr: 6-8 | 946 students Student-teacher ratio: 50:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Community Charter School (Closed 2018)
Charter School
510 South Torrence Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 377-3180
Gr: K-5 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Concrete Roses Stem Academy (Closed 2015)
8310 Mcalpine Park Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28277
(513) 967-5280
Crossroads Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
5500 N Tryon Steet
Charlotte, NC 28213
(704) 597-5100
Gr: 9-12 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Davis Academy Chadbourn (Closed 2023)
Tbd
Charlotte, NC 28231
(910) 212-6840
E E Waddell High School (Closed 2013)
7030 Nations Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28217
(980) 343-6769
Gr: 9-12
Eastside Stream Academy (Closed 2023)
Charter School
8000 Robinson Church Road
Charlotte, NC 28215
(980) 272-8308
Gr: K-8 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Entrepreneur High School (Closed 2016)
Vocational School
5745 Central Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28212
(704) 906-2900
Gr: 9-10 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
First Ward Elementary School (Closed 2011)
715 North Caldwell St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5427
Gr: K-5
Garinger - International Studies High School (Closed 2013)
1100 Eastway Dr
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-1092
Gr: 9-12 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Garinger - Leadership And Public S High School (Closed 2013)
1100 Eastway Dr
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-3000
Gr: 9-12 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Garinger - New Technical High School (Closed 2013)
1100 Eastway Dr
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-1093
Gr: 9-12 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Garinger Business And Finance High School (Closed 2013)
1100 Eastway Dr
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-3000
Gr: 9-12 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Invest Collegiate Transform (Closed 2023)
Charter School
2045 Suttle Ave
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 370-4000
Gr: K-12 | 324 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Irwin Avenue Open Elementary School (Closed 2013)
329 North Irwin Ave
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5480
Gr: K-5
Kennedy Charter (Closed 2023)
Charter School
100 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 688-2939
Gr: K-12 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Lincoln Heights Elementary School (Closed 2013)
1900 Newcastle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6067
Gr: K-5
Marie G Davis Middle School (Closed 2007)
3343 W Griffith St
Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 343-5832
Gr: 6-8 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Math And Science School At Garinge (Closed 2013)
1100 Eastway Dr
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-1473
Gr: 9-12 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Midwood High School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
1817 Central Ave
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 343-3697
Gr: 9
New Performance Learning Center (Closed 2012)
1615 East 5th St
Charlotte, NC 28204
(980) 343-3000
Oaklawn Elementary School (Closed 2023)
1810 Oaklawn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-0400
Gr: K-3 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Olympic High - Biotech Health Pub Admin (Closed 2023)
4301 Sandy Porter Rd Suite E
Charlotte, NC 28273
(980) 343-1110
Gr: 9-12 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Olympic High - Renaissance School (Closed 2023)
4301 Sandy Porter Rd Suite D
Charlotte, NC 28273
(980) 343-1107
Gr: 9-12 | 627 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Olympic High-leadership And Development Elementary School (Closed 2023)
4301 Sandy Porter Rd Suite C
Charlotte, NC 28273
(980) 343-1104
Gr: 9-12 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Olympic High-math Eng Technical Science Elementary School (Closed 2023)
4301 Sandy Porter Rd Suite
Charlotte, NC 28273
(980) 343-1101
Gr: 9-12 | 612 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Olympic Team High School (Closed 2023)
4301 Sandy Porter Rd Suite
Charlotte, NC 28273
(980) 343-1113
Gr: 9-12 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
P.S. 3 (Closed 2023)
538 Bradford Dr
Charlotte, NC 28208
(980) 343-6000
Gr: K-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Pawtuckett Elementary School (Closed 2013)
8701 Moores Chapel
Charlotte, NC 28214
(980) 343-6085
Gr: K-5
Spaugh Middle School (Closed 2013)
1901 Herbert Spaugh Ln
Charlotte, NC 28208
(980) 343-6025
Gr: 6-8
Studentfirst Academy Charter (Closed 2015)
Charter School
7020 Tuckaseegee Road
Charlotte, NC 28214
(704) 394-8749
Gr: K-8 | 338 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Show 2 more closed public schools in Charlotte, NC (out of 37 total schools)
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public preschools in Charlotte, NC?
The top ranked public preschools in Charlotte, NC include Hawk Ridge Elementary School, Highland Mill Montessori and Chantilly Montessori.
How many public preschools are located in Charlotte?
60 public preschools are located in Charlotte.
What is the racial composition of students in Charlotte?
Charlotte public preschools minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Charlotte are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (NC):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Smaller Class Sizes: Pros and Cons
Smaller Class Sizes: Pros and Cons
 Class Size: State Regulation of Class Size
Class Size: State Regulation of Class Size
School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
 10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
 Parental Involvement is Key to Student Success
Parental Involvement is Key to Student Success

More Articles

Public School Jobs
Public School Policies
About Public Schools
Local School Topics
Teaching