Best Elementary Schools
in Charlotte, North Carolina
We ranked all 133 elementary schools in Charlotte. The top 25 scored between 8.0 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and North Carolina education data
Charlotte ranks 113 elementary schools across a metro that spans fast-growing suburbs, established city neighborhoods, and everything in between. The average composite score sits at 6.7 out of 10, but the spread tells a more useful story: 58 schools — just over half — clear the 7.0 mark, meaning strong options are distributed across the region rather than concentrated in one pocket. Charlotte East Language Academy leads the field at 9.3 out of 10, followed closely by Oaklawn Language Academy and Lincoln Heights Montessori, both at 9.2. Vaughan Academy of Technology and Paw Creek Elementary round out the top five. Language-immersion and specialized programs appear prominently at the top of the rankings, though high-scoring traditional elementary schools are well represented throughout. Use the table below to sort by score, location, or other factors to find the schools that fit your family's priorities.
Charlotte East Language Academy
Oaklawn Language Academy
Lincoln Heights Montessori
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Charlotte's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within North Carolina so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlotte East Language Academy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 9.3 |
| 2 | Oaklawn Language Academy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 9.2 |
| 3 | Lincoln Heights Montessori Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 9.2 |
| 4 | Vaughan Academy of Technology Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 9.0 |
| 5 | Paw Creek Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.9 |
| 6 | Tuckaseegee Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.9 |
| 7 | Eastover Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.8 |
| 8 | Elizabeth Traditional Elem Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.7 |
| 9 | University Park Creative Arts Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.7 |
| 10 | Druid Hills Academy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.6 |
| 11 | Lansdowne Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.6 |
| 12 | Renaissance West STEAM Academy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.6 |
| 13 | Myers Park Traditional Elem Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.5 |
| 14 | Allenbrook Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.4 |
| 15 | Collinswood Language Academy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.4 |
| 16 | Piney Grove Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.4 |
| 17 | Villa Heights Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.4 |
| 18 | Shamrock Gardens Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.3 |
| 19 | Dilworth Elementary School Latta Campus Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.2 |
| 20 | Statesville Road Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.1 |
| 21 | Highland Mill Montessori Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.1 |
| 22 | Montclaire Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.0 |
| 23 | Selwyn Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.0 |
| 24 | Steele Creek Elementary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.0 |
| 25 | Westerly Hills Academy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | 8.0 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and North Carolina education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in North Carolina. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Charlotte
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Charlotte's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Charlotte
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Charlotte's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in North Carolina, with 133 schools spanning 26 school districts, plus 14 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Charlotte, North Carolina?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Charlotte East Language Academy is the top-rated elementary school in Charlotte with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte has 133 elementary schools, including 14 charter schools. Of these, 127 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Charlotte?
The average composite score for Charlotte elementary schools is 6.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in North Carolina).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within North Carolina, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in North Carolina, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Charlotte elementary school rankings?
Yes. Charlotte has 14 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.