Here are Charlotte’s best public elementary & middle schools, US News says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- U.S. News ranks Charlotte K–8 schools for 2026. Metrolina Regional Scholars claims No. 1.
- More than a dozen Charlotte-area schools appear in North Carolina’s top 50 statewide.
- Rankings rely on state test scores, student demographics and percentile scoring methods.
The Charlotte metro is home to some of the best grade schools in North Carolina, according to new rankings.
Several Charlotte-area schools landed on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings for 2026, with more than a dozen cracking the top 50, data show.
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy clinched the No. 1 spot on the list of nearly 1,100 elementary schools across the state, moving up from the No. 2 spot from last year. It was also ranked second-best among middle schools in North Carolina, rankings show.
Metrolina also ranked high in both the elementary and middle charter school categories, followed by Pine Lake Preparatory (No. 2) and Lake Norman Charter (No. 8), for elementary and middle school charters respectively.
The report, published Tuesday, Oct. 28, recognizes “institutions that excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all,” LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News, said in a news release sent to The Charlotte Observer.
“These rankings offer communities and families valuable insights into schools dedicated to preparing students for future success.”
Here are the best K-8 schools in the Charlotte metro for 2026.
Best Charlotte-area elementary schools
- Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy in Charlotte (No. 1)
- Providence Spring Academy in Charlotte (No. 5)
- Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville (No. 8)
- Rea View Elementary in Waxhaw (No. 10)
- Weddington Elementary in Matthews (No. 13)
- New Town Elementary in Waxhaw (No. 16)
- Lake Norman Charter in Huntersville (No. 18)
- Sandy Ridge Elementary in Waxhaw (No. 19)
- Hawk Ridge Elementary in Charlotte (No. 22)
- Wesley Chapel Elementary in Monroe (No. 23)
Best Charlotte-area middle schools
- Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy in Charlotte (No. 2)
- Marvin Ridge Middle School in Waxhaw (No. 3)
- The Brawley School in Mooresville (No. 4)
- Weddington Middle in Matthews (No. 7)
- Oakwood Middle School in Statesville (No. 8)
- Lake Norman Charter in Huntersville (No. 16)
- Jay M. Robinson Middle in Charlotte (No. 20)
- Rea Farms STEAM Academy in Charlotte (No. 21)
- Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville (No. 22)
- Cuthbertson Middle School in Waxhaw (No. 26)
What are charter schools?
Charter schools are taxpayer-funded schools that are exempt from some of the rules traditional public schools must follow. There are more than 200 charter schools in North Carolina, the Observer previously reported.
All North Carolina students eligible to attend public school can apply for admission to charter schools. The schools then conduct lotteries for admission when demand exceeds the number of spots available, according to the Department of Public Instruction.
How are US News’ rankings calculated?
U.S. News said it tallied each school’s standardized scores using key indicators such as math and reading proficiency and performance on each subject on state exams. It also took into account students’ backgrounds and learning in core subjects.
“State assessment data determines how most elementary and middle schools fare in these rankings,” editors wrote, adding that the results were based entirely on public U.S. Department of Education data.
Schools were then given a zero to 100 score to show how each “ranked within its state on a percentile basis.”
T. Keung Hui contributed to this report.