For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 private schools serving 1,079 students in Orange County, NC (there are , serving 21,683 public students). 5% of all K-12 students in Orange County, NC are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
The top ranked private schools in Orange County, NC include Emerson Waldorf School, St. Thomas More Catholic School, and Montessori Day School.
The average acceptance rate is 94%, which is higher than the North Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 81%.
Top Ranked Orange County ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schools (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
121 Orange High School Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-0888
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-0888
Gr: NS-11 | 139 students Avg. class size: 15 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
109 Millstone Drive
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-2090
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-2090
Gr: PK-6 | 148 students Avg. class size: 20 students Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
6211 New Jericho Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-1858
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-1858
Gr: PK-12 | 287 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 Tuition listed
Montessori Day School![Montessori Day School Photo]( "Montessori Day School Photo")
Montessori School
1702 Legion Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
(919) 929-3339
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
(919) 929-3339
Gr: PK-3 | 60 students Avg. class size: 15 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Thomas More Catholic School![St. Thomas More Catholic School Photo - Altar Servers at school Mass]( "St. Thomas More Catholic School Photo - Altar Servers at school Mass")
(Catholic)
920 Carmichael St
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-6242
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-6242
Gr: PK-8 | 397 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Chapel Hill KinderCare![Chapel Hill KinderCare Photo - Lobby]( "Chapel Hill KinderCare Photo - Lobby")
Daycare / Preschool
210 South Elliot Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-7223
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-7223
Gr: NS-PK
The Goddard School![The Goddard School Photo]( "The Goddard School Photo")
Daycare / Preschool
1162 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-9022
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-9022
Gr: NS-PK | 48 students Sports: 1 | Extracurrculars: 1 Tuition listed
Orange County ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Our Playhouse Preschool & Kindergarten (Closed 2019)
Daycare / Preschool
3501 Nc Highway 54 W Ste E
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2700
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2700
Gr: PK-1 | 35 students
St. Mary Catholic School (Closed 2004)
(Catholic)
7500 Schley Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-7200
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-7200
Gr: PK-8 | 147 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Orange County, NC?
The top ranked private schools in Orange County, NC include Emerson Waldorf School, St. Thomas More Catholic School, and Montessori Day School.
How many private schools are located in Orange County?
7 private schools are located in Orange County.
How diverse are private schools in Orange County?
Orange County private schools are approximately 22% minority students, which is lower than the North Carolina private school average of 24%.
What percentage of students in Orange County go to private school?
5% of all K-12 students in Orange County are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Orange County?
Which private schools in Orange County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Orange County include: The Goddard School vs. Emerson Waldorf School, Chapel Hill KinderCare vs. The Goddard School, Emerson Waldorf School vs. The Goddard School
Recent Articles
Student Success Predictors at Community Colleges
A practical guide to student success predictors at community colleges for private school advisors helping graduates navigate two-year pathways.
Career Pathways with Community College for ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School Grads
Explore top career pathways with community college for private school graduates, including high-demand jobs, transfer options, and 2025 workforce trends.
Navigating the FAFSA & Financial Aid Timeline for Community College
Learn how to navigate FAFSA and financial aid timelines when starting at community college — from application to disbursement in 2025.
