Class is in session: 10+ school districts in Charlotte

From Concord to Ballantyne, we’re giving you all the pertinent details about some of the elementary, middle, and high schools in and around Charlotte.

SD Pexels school generic photo

We’re giving you all the pertinent details about some of the elementary, middle, and high schools in the Queen City.

Photo via Pexels

North Carolina has 2,496 school districts and 1.5 million+ students. We’re giving you the 411 on enrollment, student-teacher ratios, and more (thanks to data from U.S. News & World Report) for the area’s major school districts. And don’t worry, there won’t be any homework.

Pssst — don’t let school traffic impact your plans. See the map below for a visual of where to find these Charlotte-area schools.

Before we dive in, here are four fast facts about schools in the Queen City:

  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is one of the largest employers in Mecklenburg County, with 20,000+ teachers, support staff, and administrators.
  • CMS has 19 International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at 15 schools — more than any other district in North Carolina.
  • The Fort Mill School District has the fastest growing student population in South Carolina, serving 18,000+ students in 20 schools.
  • Union County Schools boasts 17 dual language programs.

Cabarrus County Schools

Catawba County Schools

A brick building with windows and red stripes wrapping the building.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is one of the largest employers in Mecklenburg County and teaches nearly 150,000 students.

Photo via WCNC

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Clover School District

Fort Mill School District 4

Gaston County Schools

Iredell-Statesville Schools

Lincoln County Schools

Mooresville Graded School District

A building with Rock Hill Schools on the exterior.

Rock Hill has 24 schools in the district with 16,300 students.

Photo via WCNC

Rock Hill Schools

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

Union County Public Schools

York School District 1

More from CLTtoday
The express lanes are expected to stretch from Brookshire Freeway to the South Carolina line, with construction anticipated to start after 2030.
While the Queen City may not regularly see snow, we’re a short drive from spots to ski, snowboard, and tube this winter.
As snow fell Saturday, Jan. 31 and stayed through the weekend, you shared your snow day photos with us.
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
The SouthPark brain health center is adding a new program designed to help people living with Parkinson’s stay active, steady, and supported.
It’s almost time for the biggest game of the year. We’re helping you plan it out.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that are worth planning ahead for.
The modern Mexican-inspired restaurant promises to deliver fresh flavors to Center City when it opens in early 2026.
The longstanding museum closed its temporary Uptown location in 2025 and will soon open a new two-building destination in South End.
While the Lunar New Year is on Tuesday, Feb. 17, there are plenty of ways to celebrate early in Charlotte.