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Best Public Elementary Schools in 28216 (Charlotte, NC) (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 28216 North Carolina Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 4,052 students in 28216, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28216, NC are Northwest School Of The Arts, Lincoln Heights Montessori and Oaklawn Language Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 28216 have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 28216, NC have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 28216, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwest School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1415 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5500
Gr: 6-12 | 993 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Heights Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1900 New Castle St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-9442
Gr: PK-6 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #33.
Oaklawn Language Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1810 Oaklawn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-0400
Gr: K-8 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #44.
Mountain Island Lake Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
7905 Pleasant Grove Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6948
Gr: PK-8 | 766 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #55.
Oakdale Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1825 Oakdale Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6076
Gr: PK-5 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Hornets Nest Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
6700 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-6110
Gr: PK-5 | 601 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
University Park Creative Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2400 Hildebrand St
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 343-5178
Gr: K-5 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Movement School Northwest
Charter School
8015 Bellhaven Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980) 431-5330
Gr: K-2 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 28216, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28216, NC include Northwest School Of The Arts, Lincoln Heights Montessori and Oaklawn Language Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in 28216?
8 public elementary schools are located in 28216.
What is the racial composition of students in 28216?
28216 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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