Very Good
#535 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 20% in state
Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy
Elementary School · Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy
5203 Shopton Road West, Charlotte, NC 28278
Enrollment
836
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
836
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Charlotte
#33 of 173
public schools
North Carolina elementary schools
#473 of 1,474
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy
Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy is a public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in the large suburban community of Charlotte. With an enrollment of 836 students, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.1:1, supported by 49 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, the school is working to strengthen its performance across core subjects.
In English language arts, 56% of students are performing at or above proficiency levels, while 50% of students are meeting proficiency benchmarks in math. The school's overall academic score sits at 5.8 out of 10, with a MySchoolScout rating of 6.3/10. Statewide, Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy ranks in the 63rd percentile among North Carolina schools, placing it at #990 out of 2,661 schools in the state.
As a charter school with a STEM focus, the academy serves a diverse student population spanning eight grades. The school's location on Shopton Road West places it within one of the region's established suburban neighborhoods, offering families in the Charlotte area an alternative to traditional public school options.
What Parents Should Know
Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
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Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy — Students at Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy score 55% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 16 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.7/10.
How Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy Compares
See how Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 28% (2021) to 53.8% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 46% (2021) to 56.8% (2025).
Location
5203 Shopton Road West, Charlotte, NC 28278
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Renaissance West STEAM Academy (rated 8.6/10, 3.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Steele Creek Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 1.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Winget Park Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 3.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Charlotte, see our Charlotte schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Berewick Elementary Charlotte | 0.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Steele Creek Elementary Charlotte | 1.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Olympic High School Charlotte | 1.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Kennedy Middle Charlotte | 1.4 mi | 5.7 |
| Steele Creek Preparatory Academy Charlotte | 2.3 mi | 4.5 |
| South Pine Academy Charlotte | 2.7 mi | 2.7 |
| Berryhill School Charlotte | 3.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Winget Park Elementary Charlotte | 3.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Lake Wylie Elementary Charlotte | 3.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Renaissance West STEAM Academy Charlotte | 3.6 mi | 8.6 |
| THE JOHN CROSLAND SCHOOL Charlotte | 3.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Nations Ford Elementary Charlotte | 3.6 mi | 3.9 |
| Charlotte-Mecklenburg Virtual School Charlotte | 3.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Southwest Middle School Charlotte | 4.7 mi | 3.9 |
| Reid Park Academy Charlotte | 4.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Niner University Elementary Charlotte | 4.2 mi | 5.8 |
| East Voyager Academy of Charlotte Charlotte | 5.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Movement School Southwest Charlotte | 4.2 mi | 3.7 |
| West Mecklenburg High School Charlotte | 5.3 mi | 4.0 |
| South Academy of International Languages Charlotte | 4.5 mi | 7.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28278 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$121,366
Median Home Value
$413,400
Median Rent
$1,736/mo
Population
36,438
College Educated
56.6%
Homeownership
76%
Avg Commute
27.5 min
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Median Age
36.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy has a median household income of $121,366. It is a well-educated community where 57% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $413,400, with a median rent of $1,736/month. The local poverty rate of 3.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frank Morgan Elementary Clemmons, NC | 7.8 |
| Fuller Elementary Raleigh, NC | 7.8 |
| Gallberry Farm Elementary Hope Mills, NC | 7.8 |
| Hall-Woodward Elementary Winston-Salem, NC | 7.8 |
| Heritage Elementary School Richlands, NC | 7.8 |
| Ida Rankin Elementary School Mount Holly, NC | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy
What grades does Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy serve?
Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy?
Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy has an enrollment of approximately 836 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy rank in NC?
Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy is ranked #535 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy has a composite rating of 7.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy has 50.4% math proficiency and 55.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy a charter school?
Yes, Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy a Title I school?
No, Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy?
98.7% of students at Southwest Charlotte Stem Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
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FBI UCR. County-level only.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 836
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 49
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Mecklenburg County
- Phone
- (980) 505-8344
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy- District Enrollment
- 836
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,463
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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