Best Private Schools in Raleigh, NC

Are you living in Raleigh and looking for the best private schools for your children? Here is a list of the best private schools in Raleigh, along with everything you need to know to choose the right one for you.

Raleigh is home to several well-regarded private schools, each with different strengths and merits. If you are looking for a private school in Raleigh, you have many options available, including boarding schools, day schools, and schools with religious affiliations.

For the 2024 school year, Raleigh had 56 private schools serving over 14,000 students. Around 18% of K-12 students in Raleigh are educated in private schools. The top-ranked private schools in the area are Saint Mary's School, Ravenscroft, and The Raleigh School.

The average tuition cost for private schools in Raleigh is around $12,180, which is higher than the North Carolina private school average of $10,347. Additionally, 48% of private schools in Raleigh are religiously affiliated, with the majority being Christian and Catholic.

The Raleigh area offers a wide range of educational opportunities for students of all ages, including numerous daycares, elementary, middle, and high schools and private schools. The city is known for its high-quality education system, with students performing above state averages in many subjects.

Here are the best private schools in Raleigh, NC.

1. Cardinal Gibbons High School

Address: 1401 Ewards Mill Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27607

Rank: #1 Best Catholic High School in North Carolina

Cardinal Gibbons High School is a college preparatory school affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh. This four-year school serves grades 9 through 12 and is religiously affiliated. With 103 teachers and a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, it is an excellent private coed school for providing your children with a solid educational foundation.

In the classroom, students develop real-world problem-solving skills, faith, and courage that will benefit them throughout their lives. Through the arts, students will build confidence in their God-given gifts and find ways to inspire, transport, and transform.

Cardinal Gibbons High is a community where educators and students collaborate to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and courage needed to lead a fulfilling life. If you are interested in joining a community that values confidence, faith, and academic excellence, you can schedule a visit to see our campus.

Below is a chart from College Transitions Data. 

Tuition (9-12)	$18,235
Middle 50% SAT Score	1030-1290
Middle 50% ACT Score	21-28
Enrollment (Seniors)	378

2. Cary Academy

Address: 1500 N. Harrison Ave., Cary, NC, 27513

Rank: #1 Best Private Schools in North Carolina, A+

Cary Academy, located a little outside Raleigh in Cary, is dedicated to preparing the next generation of bold, lifelong learners and changemakers. With engaging and challenging academics, cutting-edge pedagogical techniques, ethical and diverse communities, and much more, Cary Academy is beloved by many.

The school believes that education is an investment in the future. Students graduate as bold, self-directed, lifelong learners who are exceptional, creative, and critical thinkers. With an easy application process and affordable tuition, starting your educational journey at Cary Academy is accessible for all.

This exceptional learning community is dedicated to exploration, innovation, and collaboration. Its unwavering commitments drive its work with outstanding faculty. If you seek a school that challenges your child, be sure to check out Cary Academy.

Here are some statistics about Cary Academy to help you gain a better understanding of it.

Tuition (9-12)	$29,950
Middle 50% SAT Score	1250-1490
Middle 50% ACT Score	27-33
Enrollment (Seniors)	112

3. GRACE Christan School

Address: 1101 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606

Rank: 10th Best Christan High School in Raleigh

Grace Christian School serves 731 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. This private Christian school, offering rolling admissions, is easily accessible to residents.

The lower campus caters to students from Transitional Kindergarten to 6th grade. At Grace, every student is known, valued, and loved. The community fosters a nurturing environment where each child is encouraged to pursue their gifts.

The upper campus at Grace serves students in 7th-12th grade and provides robust academic preparation, as well as opportunities for students to apply their skills in non-academic situations. Students are encouraged to participate in fine arts, sports, and other extracurricular activities to cultivate their God-given gifts.

Grace Christian School is an excellent choice for your children if you are seeking a Christian private school that accommodates students from kindergarten leading to college.

Tuition (K-12)	$10,550
Middle 50% SAT Score	1230
Middle 50% ACT Score	28
Enrollment	731

4. The Raleigh School

Address: 1141 Raleigh School Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607

The Raleigh School takes an active, hands-on approach. Its diverse and cohesive community emphasizes challenge and partnership with engaged parents. Authentic play and project-based learning experiences nurture children's natural inclinations to learn, explore, and discover.

Encouraging children to think creatively, critically, and collaboratively helps develop academic solid and problem-solving skills. The focus is specifically on social and emotional development, cultivating compassionate, caring, and responsible leaders.

The Raleigh School is among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina, has the largest student body, and has the oldest funding date. Awarded the Blue Ribbon School in 2007, this private school is a perfect option if you are looking for highly ranked schools with a unique campus offering your children the best education.

Below are some stats for The Raleigh School. 

Tuition (K-2)	$17,300
Tuition (3-5)	$17,700
Middle 50% SAT Score	1380
Middle 50% ACT Score	31
Enrollment	262

5. Wake Christian Academy

Address: 5500 Wake Academy Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603

Rank: #17 Best Private School in Raleigh, B+

Wake Christian Academy is a prominent private school in Raleigh, NC. Established in 1966, it is a private, unaffiliated, board-governed, nonprofit institution that aims to uphold high academic and spiritual standards.

The school caters to students from kindergarten to senior high school and is dedicated to nurturing their spiritual and intellectual development. Wake Christian Academy is committed to maintaining a high standard of excellence as outlined by various organizations.

Wake Christian Academy has a dress code. Girls are required to wear modest tops and slacks, while boys must wear khaki slacks or lower-grade jeans with a collared shirt. If you are interested in learning more about Wake Christian Academy, please visit their official website to access information about rates and statistics to help you decide on the best school for your children.

Tuition (K-12)	$10,425
Middle 50% SAT Score	1176
Middle 50% ACT Score	23
Enrollment	938

6. Trinity Academy

Address: 10224 Baileywick Road, Raleigh, NC, 27613

Rank: #6 Best Private School in North Carolina

Trinity Academy's mission is to prepare students to live with wisdom, excellence, and purpose in the modern world. This is achieved by offering an education rooted in the Christian faith and the classical tradition. Trinity Academy is located on a 38-acre campus and boasts a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:9.

Trinity Academy focuses on classical arts and sciences and offers a full array of high-quality, competitive athletics and award-winning fine arts. Trinity rivals the best schools in the region, boasting 100% college acceptance and generous per-student college scholarship offers. 

At Trinity, they encourage their students to wrestle, test, and doubt their faith in ways that prove their faith. Surrounded by mentors, students will learn how to think as their own person and learn about ways education can be helpful in the real world and in their future educational path.

Tuition (K-12)	$17,710
Middle 50% SAT Score	1120-1320
Middle 50% ACT Score	21-28
Enrollment	536

7. Ravenscroft

Address: 7409 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC, 27615

Rank: #2 Best Private K-12 School in Raleigh, A+

Ravenscroft is one of the top three private schools in Raleigh as of 2024. Offering education from PreK through 12th grade, the school is committed to instilling a love for learning and inquiry. Its robust curriculum includes differentiated instruction, project-based learning, global programs, STEM, humanities, and fine arts.

With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, personalized learning is at the core. The school is segmented into three divisions: lower school, middle school, and upper school, each led by an individual director.

Ravenscroft is renowned for its high percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, extensive student body, and a plethora of AP courses, sports, and extracurriculars. The school actively promotes curiosity and critical thinking by integrating hands-on learning experiences, in-depth lectures, athletics, and extracurricular programs.

Tuition (9-12)	$30,690
Middle 50% SAT Score	650
Middle 50% ACT Score	27
Enrollment (PreK-12)	1240

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources as well as our own data to create this guide about the best private schools in Raleigh, NC. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• Private School Review
• Niche
• College Transitions
• RALToday

Above are a few sources that we used to gather most of our information about the best private schools in Raleigh, NC. 

FAQS

How much is a private school in Raleigh, NC?

According to data, the average private school tuition in North Carolina in 20204 was $10,442. Breaking down this number further, the average tuition for elementary schools is about $9,637, while for high school is about $10,937.

How many private schools are in Raleigh, NC?

Raleigh is home to many excellent schools, particularly private schools. As of the 2024 school year, there were over 56 private schools serving around 14,580 students. These private schools encompass a wide range, from religiously affiliated to non-religious, providing options for every child.

How do you find the best schools in Raleigh?

Raleigh has both private and public schools, so when you are deciding which is the best choice for your child, consider the following questions to help with the decision: What is the average high school graduation rate? What are the math and reading proficiency scores? How do current and past students feel about the school? And where is it located?

Best Private Schools in Raleigh, NC - The Bottom Line

Raleigh offers a wide range of educational options suitable for every child, including private and public schools, in many different neighborhoods. The city is known for providing excellent opportunities for residents, especially for families with kids. No matter what you are searching for, Raleigh has it. 

Raleigh is recognized as one of the best cities in the country for raising a family, owing to its affordable cost of living, attractive homes, excellent education, and diverse recreational activities. Whether you're looking for a great place to live or considering relocating with your kids, Raleigh has something to offer.

Many people are drawn to Raleigh because it is the largest city in the Research Triangle and offers a high quality of life, a strong job market, and a low cost of living. With its abundance of activities and easy access to top healthcare facilities, Raleigh is undeniably an ideal place to live, work, and retire.

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.