Private Schools in Concord & Kannapolis

Concord and Kannapolis offer a more affordable cost of living compared to Charlotte proper, with housing costs running notably lower than the city average and a community-oriented lifestyle that appeals to growing families.

The area offers a genuine range of private school options. Cannon School is one of the most highly rated independent schools in North Carolina with a Niche A+ rating — a compelling option for families in the north metro who want a strong independent school without the commute to South Charlotte. Alongside Cannon, a growing selection of Christian academies offers families faith-based education at some of the most accessible tuition levels in the greater Charlotte region.

North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship goes furthest here — with lower tuition schools in the area, the scholarship covers a more meaningful share of costs compared to the more expensive schools in Charlotte proper. For families in Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg or the fast-growing Highway 73 corridor, a strong private school option is closer and more attainable than many realize.

Cabarrus County is where the Charlotte metro's growth story is being written fastest — and its private school scene is one of the region's best-kept secrets.

Living in Concord offers residents a suburban feel with many families and young professionals calling it home. It is a community-oriented area with strong faith-based values, a growing private school landscape, and significantly more affordable housing than Charlotte proper. Concord has become the second-biggest city in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area and one of the top 10 fastest-growing cities in North Carolina.
Lower property tax rates and more affordable homes than Charlotte — a verified and meaningful financial difference for families. Home to Cannon School, one of NC's highest-rated independent schools, plus a growing selection of Christian academies at accessible tuition levels. Strong mix of classical Christian, traditional Christian, and independent school options. Highly rated public schools with a graduation rate above the state average — a great complement to the private school options. Growing community with strong family-oriented values. Easy I-85 access to Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Most Concord private schools are clustered along the Poplar Tent Road and Warren C Coleman Blvd corridors. Commutes within Concord are generally 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your specific location and the time of day. Always drive the route at actual school drop off time before committing to a school.
Cabarrus County is where NC's Opportunity Scholarship stretches furthest — with lower tuition schools in the area, the scholarship covers a more meaningful share of costs compared to the more expensive schools in Charlotte proper. Ask each school's admissions office about acceptance and visit ncseaa.edu for the full list of participating schools.
Approximately 60 percent of Cabarrus County private schools are religiously affiliated — if a specific faith tradition matters, this area gives you real choices.
Cannon School draws from a wide radius including Concord, Harrisburg, Huntersville and University City and even offers bus transportation serving the Lake Norman area. Apply on the same early timeline you would use for the Charlotte independents.
C3 Concord Christian School has a special needs DREAM program for students with IEPs. HOPE Academy and Branch Christian Academy offer unique hybrid and university models for families who want a more flexible schedule. Families seeking Catholic options typically travel to Huntersville for Christ the King or St Mark.