Metrolina Academy Ranks No. 2 Statewide in 2027

Charlotte-area families now have new 2027 U.S. News rankings to compare when choosing elementary and middle schools.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Secondary Education

Screen-print poster illustration of three small wooden desks stacked in ascending height with a rounded apple on top, set against a warm cream background in mustard, rust, and teal. — U.S. News & World Report's 2027 rankings place Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy in Charlotte second statewide for elementary and middle schools, with several Union County schools also making the list. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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U.S. News & World Report released its 2027 school rankings, naming Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy in Charlotte No. 2 statewide for elementary and middle school. Several other Union County and Charlotte-area schools also appear on the list, including Wesley Chapel Elementary in Monroe at No. 6 and Sandy Ridge Elementary in Waxhaw at No. 10.

Why it matters

For Charlotte-area families choosing between public, charter, and neighborhood options, the rankings offer one more comparison point when weighing where to enroll children. The rankings draw on math and reading scores along with student demographic context and teacher-to-student ratios, and they arrive as statewide charter enrollment grew 6% in the 2024-25 year.

Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy ranked No. 2 statewide for elementary and middle school, while Telra Institute in Charlotte placed No. 20 in both categories. Statewide charter enrollment grew 6% for the 2024-25 school year.

The players

U.S. News & World Report

A national publication whose annual school rankings draw on state test scores and student demographic data to help families compare schools.

Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy

A Charlotte school that ranked No. 2 statewide for elementary and middle school in the 2027 rankings.

Telra Institute

A public charter school in Charlotte that ranked No. 20 for both elementary and middle school.

The details

U.S. News & World Report builds its rankings from mathematics and reading/language arts scores, paired with student demographic context. The methodology also weighs student-to-teacher ratios. Telra Institute is a public charter school, which places it within the state's growing charter sector.

The 2024-25 school year saw statewide charter enrollment grow 6%.
U.S. News & World Report published the 2027 school rankings on November 3, 2026.

The Home Front

Statewide charter enrollment grew 6% in the 2024-25 year, expanding the number of public alternatives families can consider. The 2027 rankings add a comparison point as Charlotte-area households weigh charter, magnet, and traditional options.

If you are considering enrollment for a child, compare the ranked schools against your own priorities, such as commute, program fit, and class sizes. Contact each school directly to confirm current enrollment windows and admission requirements before making a decision.

The takeaway

Rankings are one input among many when choosing a school, so pair them with visits and conversations with teachers. Keep a short list of your family's non-negotiables, such as transportation and special programs, and check each candidate school against it.