Northwest School of the Arts is a grade 6 through 12 art magnet school in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school enrolls around 1100 students. Students audition for acceptance and choose a major. Majors available include performing arts and visual arts, as well as technical theatre.
Serving 993 students in grades 6-12, Northwest School Of The Arts ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 71% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 72% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 993 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 67%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 72% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 73% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwest School Of The Arts ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Northwest School Of The Arts's student population of 993 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 62 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
993 students
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
School Rankings
Northwest School Of The Arts ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwest School Of The Arts is 0.69, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#327 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)71%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
15%
22%
Black
43%
24%
White
33%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Dragon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwest School Of The Arts's ranking?
Northwest School Of The Arts is ranked #327 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 72% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwest School Of The Arts?
The graduation rate of Northwest School Of The Arts is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Northwest School Of The Arts?
993 students attend Northwest School Of The Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Northwest School Of The Arts students are Black, 33% of students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwest School Of The Arts?
Northwest School Of The Arts has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Northwest School Of The Arts offer ?
Northwest School Of The Arts offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest School Of The Arts part of?
Northwest School Of The Arts is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
In what neighborhood is Northwest School Of The Arts located?
Northwest School Of The Arts is located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 1 other public schools located in Washington Heights.
School Reviews
Review Northwest School Of The Arts. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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