For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,104 students in the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Charlotte center city are Irwin Academic Center, First Ward Creative Arts Academy and Metro School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Irwin Academic Center
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
329 N. Irwin Ave
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5480
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5480
Gr: K-5 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #22.
First Ward Creative Arts Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
715 N. Caldwell St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5485
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5485
Gr: K-5 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Metro School
Special Education School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
405 S Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5450
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5450
Gr: PK-12 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte, NC include Irwin Academic Center, First Ward Creative Arts Academy and Metro School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte?
3 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte?
the neighborhood of Charlotte center city, Charlotte public schools minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.