For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public charter schools serving 2,593 students in Cleveland County, NC.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Cleveland County, NC are Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Pinnacle Classical Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cleveland County, NC public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 78% (versus the North Carolina public charter school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 59% statewide average). Charter schools in Cleveland County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of North Carolina public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public charter school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Cleveland County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2527 Us 221a Hwy
Mooresboro, NC 28114
(828) 657-9998
Mooresboro, NC 28114
(828) 657-9998
Gr: K-12 | 1,330 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Pinnacle Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2401 Joes Lake Rd
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 740-4040
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 740-4040
Gr: K-12 | 1,178 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Cleveland County, NC?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Cleveland County, NC include Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Pinnacle Classical Academy.
How many public charter schools are located in Cleveland County?
2 public charter schools are located in Cleveland County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cleveland County?
Cleveland County public charter schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public charter schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Cleveland County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Cleveland County include: Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy vs. Pinnacle Classical Academy, Pinnacle Classical Academy vs. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.