The Best Private Schools in Concord, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Concord. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Woodlawn School
Independent School
Located just minutes from Concord in Mooresville, Woodlawn School serves students from across the region including Concord families. Founded in 2000, this independent school offers a distinctive project-based learning approach for grades K-12. The school features a 61-acre campus with extensive outdoor learning spaces, modern classrooms, and specialized labs. Woodlawn emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving through its innovative curriculum. The school maintains small class sizes and offers comprehensive college counseling, with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier universities. Strong programs in environmental science, entrepreneurship, and the arts complement the rigorous academic foundation.
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Cannon School
Independent School
Cannon School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1977, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Cannon emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, robotics, and community service programs.
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Concord Academy
Private School Network
Concord Academy provides Montessori-based education for students from infancy through 8th grade. Established in 1999, the school focuses on individualized learning and hands-on experiences that foster independence and critical thinking. The curriculum emphasizes whole-child development with strong foundations in language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The campus features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized spaces for art, music, and physical education. Concord Academy maintains low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes community involvement, with many graduates transitioning successfully to competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Concord, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available within Concord, North Carolina, and what distinguishes them from one another?
Concord, NC, is home to several notable private schools, each with a distinct identity. The Cannon School (Pre-K through 12) is known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and extensive arts and athletics programs. Concord Academy (K-8) emphasizes a nurturing, project-based learning environment with a strong sense of community. The Woodlawn School (Pre-K through 12), located just south in Davidson, serves many Concord families and is renowned for its progressive, mastery-based curriculum and focus on sustainability and experiential learning. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, from traditional prep to more innovative approaches.
How does tuition for private schools in Concord, NC, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Concord-area private schools is generally competitive with or slightly above the North Carolina independent school average. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower grades to over $25,000 for upper grades at day schools like Cannon and Woodlawn. Importantly, all major schools in the area offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families, which can be applied to tuition at participating private schools, significantly reducing the net cost for many Concord residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Concord, NC, private schools offer that leverage the local region?
Concord private schools integrate the local region into their programs in distinctive ways. The Cannon School's proximity to Charlotte and the Cabarrus County business community facilitates strong internship and mentorship programs in fields like finance and engineering. Concord Academy often utilizes local parks and the Carolina Thread Trail for environmental science and outdoor education. The Woodlawn School's location near Lake Norman and its focus on sustainability drives unique programs in environmental stewardship and hands-on science. Furthermore, schools often partner with local institutions like the Charlotte Museum of History or the NASCAR Hall of Fame for specialized learning trips.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Concord, North Carolina, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Concord private schools typically begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, school records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or assessment day. Admission competitiveness varies: The Cannon School and Woodlawn School have selective processes with waiting pools, especially for entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. Concord Academy, while also selective, may have more flexibility in certain grades. It is highly recommended for Concord families to begin inquiries a full year in advance and attend fall open houses.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the Cabarrus County public school system and private schools in Concord, NC?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and specific program offerings. Cabarrus County public schools, like Cox Mill High or Concord High, are large and offer a wide array of AP courses and athletics. Concord private schools provide significantly smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), allowing for more individualized attention. They also have the autonomy to offer specialized curricula (like Woodlawn's mastery-based model or Cannon's global studies focus) without state testing mandates. Furthermore, private schools in Concord often have more resources for arts, technology integration, and college counseling per student. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for a tailored educational environment versus the scale and no-tuition model of public schools.
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