School Overview
Northwest School of the Arts (NWSA), located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a specialized magnet school within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district that serves students in grades 6 through 12. Distinguished by its rigorous dual-focus approach, the school integrates a comprehensive academic curriculum with intensive pre-professional training in the visual and performing arts. Students at NWSA have the opportunity to specialize in various disciplines, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts, allowing them to hone their creative talents alongside their core studies.

As a premier destination for artistically gifted students in the region, Northwest School of the Arts fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that emphasizes both intellectual development and artistic excellence. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education and professional careers in the arts, often resulting in high graduation rates and significant success in collegiate arts programs. By blending traditional academics with performance-based learning, the school creates a unique educational experience that encourages students to excel as both scholars and creative innovators.
1,058
Total Students
58.0
Full-Time Teachers
18.3
Student/Teacher Ratio
35.7%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Northwest School of the Arts
Demographic Student Count
White338
Hispanic171
Black478
Asian21
Two or More47
American Indian3
  • Black
    478 (45.2 %)
  • White
    338 (31.9 %)
  • Hispanic
    171 (16.2 %)
  • Two or More
    47 (4.4 %)
  • Asian
    21 (2.0 %)
  • American Indian
    3 (0.3 %)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: High School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Phone: (980)343-5500
Website: http://northwestschoolofthearts.wearecms.com
Grade Range: 6th - 12th
Total Students: 1,058
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 58.0
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 18.3
NSLP Participation:1 Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch: 344
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 34
Grades Taught
Grade 6 142
Grade 7 148
Grade 8 140
Grade 9 207
Grade 10 167
Grade 11 130
Grade 12 124

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Northwest School of the Arts
Grade Student Count
Grade 6142
Grade 7148
Grade 8140
Grade 9207
Grade 10167
Grade 11130
Grade 12124
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Northwest School of the Arts
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female81076.6%
Male24823.4%
Nearby High Schools (Within 10 Miles)