Finding the right schools

The Charlotte metro area includes several school districts, such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), Union County Public Schools, Cabarrus County Schools, and districts in neighboring South Carolina like Fort Mill and Clover School Districts. The district you’re in will depend on where you live.

 You can use tools like the CMS School Assignment Locator or visit your local school district’s website. These tools help you determine which public school your home is zoned for based on your address.

• Public Schools: State-funded and assigned based on your home address.
• Charter Schools: Tuition-free, independently operated, and often lottery-based.
• Magnet Schools: Public schools with specialized programs like STEM or the arts, requiring an application.
• Private Schools: Tuition-based, offering specialized or religious curriculums with smaller class sizes.
• Montessori Schools: Focused on hands-on, self-directed learning, available as both public and private options.

Official school performance data can be found on websites like NCreportcards.com for North Carolina schools and SCreportcards.com for South Carolina schools. These sites provide detailed information on academic growth, achievement, and other key metrics.an answer to this item.

 Yes, in some cases. Charter schools in the Charlotte area operate on a lottery system and are open to students across the region. Magnet schools in the CMS district also accept students through an application process, regardless of zoning.

A School realignment occurs when a district adjusts school boundaries due to factors like population growth or facility updates. This can change which school your child is assigned to, so it's important to stay informed about any potential changes in your district.swer to this item.

Enrollment freezes occur when a school reaches capacity and can no longer accept new students. If your zoned school has an enrollment freeze, your child may be reassigned to a nearby school with available space. It’s a good idea to contact your school district to find out if any freezes are in place in your area.