Private Schools in South Charlotte & Ballantyne

If Charlotte has a private school capital, it is here.

The corridor running from SouthPark down Providence and Carmel Roads to Ballantyne holds the region's largest concentration of independent and faith-based schools including all three of the schools locals call the Big Three. It is no coincidence. South Charlotte pairs the metro's most established family neighborhoods with top-rated schools, tree-lined subdivisions and quick access to SouthPark and Ballantyne's corporate campuses.

Families here tend to be education first movers. Many relocate to South Charlotte specifically for access to schools. The trade-off is competition. The most selective schools in this area admit well under half of applicants at popular entry points, and the strongest applicant pools come right from the neighborhood.

  • South Charlotte covers an incredible range of neighborhoods and real estate options for every budget and lifestyle.

    Myers Park offers iconic tree-lined boulevards and a deep sense of community. SouthPark and Foxcroft sit in the most convenient location for the Big Three, within 5 to 10 minutes of both Providence Day and Charlotte Country Day. Ballantyne and Piper Glen are newer luxury suburbs highly convenient to Charlotte Latin specifically. Weddington and Waxhaw offer more space, larger lots, and a quieter suburban lifestyle without sacrificing access to Charlotte's best private schools.

    Real estate in South Charlotte runs the full spectrum, from condos, townhomes and apartments to historic homes, new builds and luxury estates. From grand custom homes to charming planned neighborhood communities, there is something for every family and every budget.

    Local Insider Tips — Neighborhoods to Watch:

    Lansdowne has already arrived. With large flat lots, mature trees, and a prime South Charlotte location, older homes range from $760,000 to $880,000 while new construction and renovated estates are selling for up to $3 million, all within minutes of the Big Three.

    Sherwood Forest is the one to watch right now. A mix of older renovated homes and beautiful new custom builds on large lots with prices up nearly 12 percent year over year. A more affordable entry point than Lansdowne and just as close to top private schools.

    Both neighborhoods are attracting private school families who want large lots, established tree-lined streets, and convenience to Charlotte's best private schools.

  • Home to the Big Three and the highest concentration of private schools in Charlotte. Strong family oriented community feel. Real estate for every budget from condos and townhomes to historic homes, new builds and luxury estates. Easy commute to Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas Airport. World class shopping, dining and entertainment at SouthPark, Ballantyne Village and Waverly. Top healthcare nearby at Atrium Health, Novant and Carolinas Medical Center. Everything you need within a short drive.

  • Location matters when it comes to the Big Three. Here is a quick guide.

    SouthPark and Foxcroft are the most convenient overall, within 5 to 10 minutes of both Providence Day and Charlotte Country Day.

    Myers Park and Eastover are historic and family oriented, approximately 10 to 20 minutes from all three Big Three campuses depending on morning traffic and pick up time.

    Ballantyne and Piper Glen are newer luxury suburbs highly convenient to Charlotte Latin specifically. Commute times vary significantly depending on which part of Ballantyne you are coming from. Providence Day and Charlotte Country Day are generally 20 minutes or more without traffic. Charlotte Christian and Charlotte Catholic are typically closer at around 10 to 15 minutes. Always drive the route at actual school drop off time before committing to a school.

  • Apply early. Most schools here run January application deadlines for fall admission and popular entry years fill fastest. For TK and Kindergarten applicants deadlines can be as early as December 31.

    Depending on the school budget additional costs above published tuition for fees, uniforms, athletics and trips. Always ask each school what additional costs to expect beyond tuition so you have a complete picture of your annual investment.

    Siblings, legacy children and faculty children may receive priority placement at some Charlotte private schools, meaning the number of spots available to new families could be smaller than most expect. Always ask each school directly about their admissions priority policy. Applying to at least three schools is always recommended.

Private Schools in South Charlotte

Providence Day
School

  • TK - 12

  • Independent, non-sectarian

  • Approximately 1,850 students

  • Its size means broad course offerings and championship athletics with an admissions process to match its reputation

  • Consistently ranked among the top private schools in Charlotte, Providence Day is known for global studies, a deep STEM program and college placement that draws families from across the metro

  • For current tuition information visit our College Prep Schools page or download our Charlotte Private School Guide

Charlotte Christian School

  • JK - 12

  • Christian, non-denominational

  • A college prep education from a Christ centered worldview with athletics and fine arts programs that compete with the big independents at a noticeably more accessible price point

  • A strong fit for families who want academic rigor and faith formation together

  • For current tuition information visit our Christian Schools page or download our Charlotte Christian Schools Guide

St. Gabriel Catholic School

Charlotte Latin
School

  • TK - 12

  • Independent, non-sectarian

  • 122 acre campus Set on a sprawling campus off Providence Road

  • Charlotte Latin blends rigorous academics with an honor code culture and standout arts and athletics

  • Families praise its balance, academically serious without feeling like a pressure cooker

  • For current tuition information visit our College Prep Schools page or download our Charlotte Private School Guide

United Faith Christian Academy

  • PK - 12

  • Christian, non-denominational

  • Located at 8617 Providence Road

  • SACS accredited Christ centered college preparatory school with a 6 to 1 student teacher ratio and strong college placement record

  • 94% of graduates attend a 4 year college

  • For current tuition information visit our Christian Schools page or download our Charlotte Christian Schools Guide

The Fletcher
School

Charlotte Country
Day School

  • JK - 12

  • Independent, non-sectarian

  • Main campus sits near SouthPark an easy reach from most of South Charlotte

  • Founded 1941 The oldest of the Big Three, Country Day pairs academic depth with exceptional arts and athletics and offers the IB Diploma at the high school level — the only Big Three school that does

  • For current tuition information visit our College Prep Schools page or download our Charlotte Private School Guide

Charlotte Catholic High School

  • Grades 9 - 12

  • Catholic, MACS diocesan system

  • The flagship high school of the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system with a proud athletic tradition and strong college outcomes

  • Parishioner rates make it one of the best values in South Charlotte

  • For current tuition information visit our Catholic Schools page or download our Charlotte Catholic Schools Guide

Ignite Achievement Academy

  • Grades K - 12

  • Specialized, learning differences

  • South Charlotte

  • Serving students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum and language disorders across two campuses in Charlotte

  • For current tuition information visit our Specialized Schools page or download our Charlotte Specialized Schools Guide

Charlotte Preparatory
School

  • PreK - 8

  • Independent, Montessori rooted

  • South Charlotte off Sardis Road

  • A favorite of families planning to apply to the Big Three for 9th grade

  • Charlotte Prep offers a Montessori early childhood program flowing into a rigorous traditional independent middle school

  • For current tuition information visit our College Prep Schools page or download our Charlotte Private School Guide

St. Matthew Catholic School

Carolina Collaborative Prep

  • Grades 3 - 12

  • Specialized, learning differences

  • Located at 5007 Providence Road

  • Non-profit academic center for students with learning differences

  • Individualized evidence based curriculum with daily fitness including swim, tennis, yoga and tae kwon do

  • Rolling admissions

  • For current tuition information visit our Specialized Schools page or download our Charlotte Specialized Schools Guide

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