Charlotte Secondary School

Charlotte, NC 28211

Phone: (704) 295-0137
Fax: (704) 295-0156
District: Charlotte Secondary School District

3

GreatSchools Rating

charter • Grades 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 • 175 students

Charlotte Secondary School, a charter school located in Charlotte, NC, serves grades 6-12 in the Charlotte Secondary School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Charlotte Secondary School is a charter school located in Charlotte, NC. 175 students attend Charlotte Secondary School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 2/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
College Readiness 1/10 The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 Average ACT score data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 ACT percent college ready data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 demographic data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Student Growth 4/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Posted: August 8, 2026

My daughter had the worst experience she was physically attack by students nothing was done. Girls tried to beat her up in bathroom she told principal nothing wAs done. This school is not safe.

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: March 14, 2025

Hidden Gem in SE Charlotte
Diverse & Inclusive
Small Class Sizes
Athletics
Extra-Curricular Activities
Clubs
Student Government
Internships
Mentorships
Caring Staff
College Dual Enrollment for 11th & 12th
NO School for Students on Friday's

Posted: March 14, 2025

Posted: March 14, 2025

Posted: March 14, 2025

Posted: March 14, 2025

Posted: March 14, 2025

Posted: March 14, 2025

Posted: March 14, 2025

Posted: February 26, 2025

Students who come to Charlotte Secondary School from other schools, find this to be a place where they are welcomed, find friendships, and can be themselves.

Posted: February 26, 2025

Posted: February 26, 2025

Posted: February 26, 2025

Posted: February 26, 2025

Posted: February 26, 2025

Posted: February 26, 2025

Posted: February 26, 2025

Posted: October 13, 2023

Posted: October 13, 2023

I spent all 4 years of high school at CSS. I contemplated leaving several times but my parents and I agreed I would be too behind in the other schools curriculums. There were very few good teachers. The ones that were, often left for better jobs because they were overworked because administration knew they would do the work properly. Teachers that should have been fired were not because the school could not afford it. Most kids time was spent arguing with staff. Teachers changed just about every year and you could not rely on them. In all 4yrs there were probably only 2 clubs offered and never for long. There are hardly any sports and no music. If you have any plans about going to college don’t expect any help. There was often boy v girl segregation towards the start of my time there. Also very immature students. I will say the new principal seems to be an improvement. But A LOT more needs to be done for me to recommend this school.

Posted: October 13, 2023

Posted: October 13, 2023

Posted: October 13, 2023

Posted: October 13, 2023

Posted: October 13, 2023

Posted: October 13, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

The administration at the school doesn't follow protocol and very unprofessional. It's a code of ethics that most be followed and what I've personally witnessed from this secondary school is below satisfactory. Teachers aren't helping kids develop in areas that they're showing weakness in. Which leaves the kids to figure out their work themselves. It feels as though my child is attending a private school with a high teacher turn over rate simply because every month we as parents have to fund an event in order for our child to participate. In conclusion this Charlotte Secondary School ISN'T recommended at all

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: January 24, 2022

So far so good at Charlotte Secondary School.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Posted: January 24, 2022

Posted: January 24, 2022

Posted: January 24, 2022

Posted: January 24, 2022

Posted: January 24, 2022

Posted: January 24, 2022

Posted: June 4, 2020

This school needs to seriously think more about how they treat their students and staff. Learning is more than just numbers. Future teachers avoid this place if you do not want to be micromanaged.

Posted: June 4, 2020

Admin at this school treat their teachers poorly. They are constantly firing and hiring. It is a revolving door. No sense of community. No job security.

Posted: February 15, 2020

Teachers teach only in before or after school. Other than that children are expected to know the work.

Posted: February 15, 2020

How can they build strong character when teachers rip up students papers in their face and this particular teacher laughed at the student.

Posted: February 15, 2020

No Exceptional Student liaison to help the children with ADHD!

Posted: February 15, 2020

Posted: February 15, 2020

Do not send your child to this school.

Posted: January 18, 2018

First year at this school. My child is happy, enjoys going to school, and loves his teachers and the staff. All experiences with the school, so far, have been completely positive.

Posted: January 18, 2018

Posted: January 18, 2018

Posted: January 18, 2018

Posted: January 18, 2018

Posted: January 18, 2018

Posted: January 18, 2018

Posted: June 10, 2016

Great environment for students, solid education, and excellent teachers. The past 3 years have been wonderful, now looking forward to High School at CSS!

Posted: April 25, 2015

The idea of Charlotte Secondary school is a good one. The Padeia system seems like a wonderful idea. Unfortunately it is not being used by all of the staff. Some teachers are very hands on in class and the kids do most of their work in class. Some teachers give huge extensive projects to be done entirely at home. The school has had a huge turnover in leadership . Parents have no idea where the school is heading and who is leading the show. My kids have been happy here but I am fearful for the schools future.

Posted: September 27, 2014

We have had 4 children attending Charlotte Secondary for 5 years now. The very best thing about the school is its size. During those difficult middle school years, CSS offers individualized attention and small peer groups. Bullying is virtually non-existent. There isn't a drug or alcohol element, and the children seem to "grow-up" slower (giving their brains a chance to catch up to their bodies). The Paideia method is ideal for helping kids to learn and think for themselves. The teachers treat students as individuals, so students that have a difficult time with organization (a huge challenge for most new 6th graders) are given extra help and understanding. Students who excel in academics are also challenged. The school is growing and adding more programs by the year. They are growing a quality athletics programs, and adding an arts curriculum too. I am so thankful to have CSS as an alternative to public middle AND high school. My oldest is now in the 10th grade and wouldn't go anywhere else. It is wonderful to my kids getting a quality education in a safe, and healthy environment. **If your child prefers anonymity, this is NOT the school for her/him.

Posted: June 28, 2014

Charlotte secondary has been nothing but accommodating! Both of my children have went there for 3 years... Teachers are like family and my kids are thriving in every way. My kids are very different but have both fit in just perfectly at CSS... I'm sorry to hear that some parents feel so negatively about the school... I read in one of the reviews that they were unhappy because there is a lot of parental support asked and fundraising done... This is how the school runs financially...it does not get as many funds as public school from the state so it has to make up for the balance by fundraising and using volunteers... For me Charlotte secondary has been like going to a private school but for free! And the help that is asked is gladly given by many helpful parents. Those who's schedule does not allow much time is NOT required! No school is perfect but this school has been god sent for us! Truly

Posted: May 20, 2014

I will not recommend the school to any one.the admin staff are not willing to help kids or parents,but expect parents to support and help the school with it's activities and fundraisers.The school does not even have a RN or Counselor to handle issues like bullying.the standard is lower than the state standard because very few qualified teachers are available. It makes you feel as if your children are in a private school, because parents have to set aside money each month to help out on fund raisers.

Posted: April 30, 2014

I would not reccomend this school. The teachers are treated terribly, and they are resigning and getting fired all the time. The administration harasses and bullies students. There is no dicepline at all. The students are obnoxious and make it impossible to learn anything. They have no clue how to run the highschool. They even messed up the required seat hours, so the highschool day is extended by half an hour and they are still making up 18 hours outside of school. The only positive things I have to say about this school are that the highschool teachers are great people. It is also extremely easy to make good grades at this school.

Posted: January 10, 2014

I disagree with the comment bellow mine. I think Charlotte Secondary is a great school so far. I'm enrolled in the high school and its probably one of the best decisions I've ever made coming from a high school that didn't challenge me at all. I love how project grades count way more than test grades because I am definitely not a great test taker (if you aren't the project type and you can make an A on an exam, I wouldn't come to this school because test only count 20% of your overall grade). The teachers here are extremely helpful and supportive and really care about your education. We do a lot of hands on activities like going on field trips to experience how what we learn in the classroom applies in the real world. Right now I will admit the high school isn't the greatest but, its a brand new building with now high school classes and brand new teachers so you can't blame them for doing things wrong... They are just getting into the groove of things. Also, Charlotte Secondary is going to offer college courses next year from CPCC (hopefully!) that count as high school and college credit! And they offer American Sign Language as a foreign language which I absolutely love!

Posted: December 13, 2013

Well since there a so many parent here is a student point if view. It's so annoying having to wake up everyday and saying " great I go to CSS. Where the teachers DONT CARE at all about the students and all they care about is getting paid and looking pod in front of parents. Not to mention that THEY HAVE MONEY but have pointless fundraisers all the time. The teachers give us projects to do that's 30% our grade and give as 2-4 to do it!!!! Every week I have at least 3 projects! Core classes are okay but having electives that we can't choose is just WRONG !! There is a difference between core and elective. IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO BE HAPPY DONT SEND THEM THERE! THEY TREAT US LIKE 1 st GRADERS! :) thank you for reading.

Posted: October 8, 2013

Charlotte Secondary School is the best thing we ever did for our daughter. She is happy, learning everyday. Kathy Robinson

Posted: October 7, 2013

This school is Charlottes best kept secret! I have a 7 th grader that has flowered since going to CSS. I am so excited that they now have the high school open and I will have no more worries of where she will graduate from! All the teachers have the biggest hearts and really take passion with all the kids. They aren't just at the school for their pay, they want to see these kids have success! I'm proud to tell people my daughter goes to CSS! I know she will learn and love learning!

Posted: October 7, 2013

Charlotte Secondary is filled with kids and teacher who treat everyone with respect and love. Our son is thriving and taking leadership responsibilities.

Posted: October 6, 2013

The school does a great job with the children. I have met with different teachers on several occasions and they all care very much about the children. They truly seem to do everything possible to make sure no child gets over looked or left behind. David

Posted: October 6, 2013

Charlotte Secondary School is the best! I have two daughters attending here and they both love it! One is in 6th grade and one is in 9th grade! I am so glad they can stay in one school from Middle to High school. My girls are so excited to be here. They both have wonderful teachers!

Posted: October 6, 2013

Great charter school! We love the philosophy, the smaller school size, the fact that everyone seems to know everyone. After drowning in hours of homework during our son's two years in CMS, we can happily say that Charlotte Secondary gives a MUCH more reasonable amount (very little busywork, mostly just projects). We love CSS :)

Posted: October 6, 2013

Charlotte Secondary School (CSS) is a charter school for grades 6th through 10th with 11th and 12th grades to follow. There are 20 students per class and 4 classes per grade which allows for your child to be known by name. Most of the learning is group and project based, without the emphasis on testing. Unlike public school where testing is the main goal, CSS's main focus is on the individual student and meeting their needs to learn. There are interactive seminars that allow each child to speak and engage in conversation based on certain topics. It's a wonderful way of learning instead of memorizing from a textbook and then forgetting about it. CSS is like a small community where learning is fun and interactive. The staff of teachers are wonderful and care for each student based on individual needs. I can not say enough great things about CSS!

Posted: October 6, 2013

CSS is amazing!! we have the very best staff out there. they are invested in each student, wanted each student to be successful and live up to his or her fullest potential. Since we are a small charter school we do not have alot of money for technology, sports, art or any extras. The lack of money never slows down the staff they will figure out a way to make it work. This is our second year at CSS and would recommend it to everyone!

Posted: October 6, 2013

CSS follows the Pairdeia philosophy. Paideia states that the three types of teaching should occur in our schools: didactic teaching of subject matter, coaching that produces the skills of learning, and Socratic questioning in seminar discussion; The results of these three types of teaching should be: the acquisition of organized knowledge, the formation of habits in the use of subject matter, and the mind s growing understanding of ideas and issues; What a wonderful way to learn!

Posted: October 6, 2013

My Daughter was unable to attend Curriculum Night for her 6th grader last Tuesday evening, so, I went with my Granddaughter. We went to each of her classes and met with each of her teachers. It was a very uplifting and positive evening. The teachers each gave a brief overview of their education/job history and why they chose teaching as their profession, sometimes over other, more lucrative jobs. They all seemed to really love teaching, especially in the critical middle school years. I came away with a sense that this school was really looking out for their students by hiring top notch teachers and following a very stringent curriculum. Charlotte Secondary is a small school in comparison to some others...which I find to be an asset. There is a sense of family, in that the students know each other and treat each other respectfully, a practice dictated and followed by the school faculty.

Posted: October 6, 2013

My son really enjoys this school! I love the small size that allows teachers to provide focus on their students. The communication is VERY good. Whenever my son's grades start slipping I always get a heads up from the teacher, and they are great with working with us and him on how to best improve his grades.

Posted: October 6, 2013

we feel so fortunate to have found CSS. this school is amazing, the best staff, excellent curriculium and wonderful learning environment for our kids. Middle school can be a tough environment and CSS has made it a loving place our kids are excited togo to every day!

Posted: October 6, 2013

The learning methodology is more effective that What is used at Mecklenburg county schools, and the small size has helped with individual care.

Posted: October 6, 2013

CSS is the best school! I am happy to be part of a wonderful community of staff, students, and parents!

Posted: October 6, 2013

Great administration! School feels more like a family! Great learning enviroment!! New building is very nice administration is quick to react to concerns.

Posted: October 6, 2013

CSS is a great school! The new building is beautiful and gives the children a wonderful area to learn. It continues to add new things each year.

Posted: October 6, 2013

Safe and friendly! everyone knows my son and enjoys the children. When an issue arises they take care of it right away.

Posted: October 6, 2013

We have a Son in the 9th grade, and a Daughtet in the 6th. For us this has been an awesome experience! Staff cares!!!! Kids love going to school. So glad High was added this year.

Posted: October 6, 2013

Love this School! The teachers and students are wonderful! Staff and family involvement make the school great!

Posted: October 6, 2013

My sixth grader says, "This is not a normal middle school. The teachers actually care that you understand the material, and that you're not bored." For my kid to say that is a high compliment!

Posted: October 6, 2013

At first I was hesitant to put my children in this school, but after years of my kids being in this school I am so happy with the outcome, my children's self confident is really high, attitude is best, the grades are really good and EOG scores are high, the open door policy of teachers and enormous patience and outlined curicullum , enviroment is now more secure with the new building , the personal attention the teacher giving to the students cannot compare with puclic schools, my children are more relax with less homework and more school interaction , They do not stay late everynight just to finish homework and being tired the next day like when they are in public school, teachers listen to the parents .

Posted: October 6, 2013

Charlotte Secondary School is a small charter school with roughly 80 students per grade. The school currently offers Grades 6-10 - with plans to expand through Grade 12. When my step-daughter first started at CSS in Grade 6, she immediately fell in love with the school. While many middle-school parents hear of their child being "lost in the crowd" or horror stories of bullying, I have only heard my step-daughter talk about how much she loves CSS. The parents, teachers, and students are all so passionate about creating an inclusive, family-like environment for learning. We couldn't be happier with CSS!

Posted: October 6, 2013

If you want your child to feel accepted as they are then Charlotte Secondary School is the school for your Middle School Child or High School Child. They are expected to be the best they can be, but not measured or compared to another student. Each Teacher is a coach to their students and coaches them along their way with the support of parents. There is great communication between the School Staff, Teachers, Students and Parents. Charlotte Secondary is definitely the School for our family. Thank you Charlotte Secondary School!

Posted: June 18, 2013

My school is northeast middle school I got bullied a lot and wasn't getting help with that

Posted: November 15, 2010

Excellent school. Our daughter is a current 8th grader and started at CSS in 6th. She has thrived and has been challenged by the curriculum. Last year she was selected to participate in the Duke TIP program and took the ACT. We were thrilled that she scored among the top in the nation. She looks forward to going to school everyday!

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Regent Park Neighborhood/Subdivision Fort Mill SC 10.9 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
Base Distance
Charlotte Air National Guard 10.9 mi.
Refine Search

National Ad
Advertising Homes