North Carolina Schools Earn High National Rankings
Multiple Charlotte-area institutions secured top spots in the new 2027 U.S. News & World Report school rankings.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings recognize several Charlotte-area schools as among the best in North Carolina. These institutions achieved high marks based on a performance formula that evaluates state standardized test results.
Why it matters
These rankings provide parents and educators with comparative performance data based on both raw academic achievement and socioeconomic context. The methodology ensures that schools are evaluated on their ability to support students from diverse backgrounds.
The ranking methodology is calculated using a 50-50 split between raw math and reading scores on state standardized tests and adjustments for student socioeconomic background. Statewide charter school enrollment grew by 6% during the 2024-25 year.
The players
U.S. News & World Report
This media organization is widely known for producing annual rankings of educational institutions and hospitals.
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy
This charter school serves high-achieving students and consistently ranks among the top performers in North Carolina.
The details
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy claimed the second-highest spot statewide for both elementary and middle school categories. Other top performers included Wesley Chapel Elementary in 6th place, Rea View Elementary in 8th, and Sandy Ridge Elementary in 10th, while the Telra Institute also ranked in the top 20 locally.
Timeline
The 2027 school rankings were released by U.S. News & World Report.
Statewide charter school enrollment increased by 6% during the 2024-25 year.
Culture Shift
The prominence of charter schools in these rankings reflects the ongoing expansion of school choice options across the state. This shift follows the 2024-25 statewide charter school enrollment growth trend, signaling a changing preference in the local educational landscape.
Parents can use these rankings to better understand the academic performance and resources available at their local public and charter schools. The data highlights a growing trend of enrollment in charter institutions, which now account for 16% of students in Mecklenburg County.
The takeaway
These rankings reflect the diverse academic performance of schools within the Charlotte region. Families should look at both the overall ranking and the socioeconomic context when evaluating which educational environment best suits their child.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local learning at North Carolina Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.
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