Charter schools in the Triangle: What homebuyers need to know

As families search for a new home in the Triangle area, they’re not just comparing square footage or commute times. They’re asking a bigger question: “What about schools?” Research from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) says that over half of buyers with school-age children make their buying decisions based on the quality of schools. There are numerous educational opportunities in the Triangle, including a variety of public and private options. Yet within the past decade, charter schools in the Triangle have begun to boom. They’ve evolved from niche alternatives into a powerful force shaping local education and the look of the entire area.

As the Triangle’s population surges and families seek options tailored to their children’s needs, these public, tuition-free schools are becoming major players in where people choose to live. Here’s a look at how the charter school boom is being handled locally.

To understand the charter school trend in the area, it’s important to understand charter schools themselves. Like a traditional public school, charter schools are publicly funded using local and state tax dollars. During the 2023–2024 school year, NC charter schools received over $1 billion in state funding. However, they operate independently from public school districts. They typically have smaller class sizes, have more innovative curricula, and tend to be more connected to the communities they serve, too. Some of the major differences between charter and typical public schools include the fact that only 50% of teachers must be licensed, and they don’t offer reduced-price meals for students.

Data from EducationNC says that charter school enrollment is booming in the state — not just the Triangle. Enrollment jumped by 6 percent between 2024 and 2025 to over 153,000 students across North Carolina. Yet more than 85,000 students are still on waitlists for these schools. As charter schools provide specific focuses like STEM, classical studies, and project-based learning, they continue to grow in popularity thanks to the flexibility and opportunities they offer. It’s why communities throughout Wake, Durham, and Orange Counties have seen steady expansion in these types of schools.

The charter schools in the Triangle offer a variety of educational experiences for students. For example, STEM and STEAM schools provide hands-on, project-based learning. Arts-based charters offer courses in music, creative writing, art, and dance. Others prepare students for college through advanced curricula and high-level learning.

EducationNC reports that the North Carolina Charter Schools Review Board approved the opening of seven new charter schools for the 2025-26 school year. Two of those new schools are in the Triangle, including North Oak Academy in Durham and Carolina Achieve in Mebane. And schools like Wake Preparatory Academy and Triangle Math and Science Academy are rapidly expanding to meet the needs of families in the area. Part of the reason for the success of charter schools in the state is North Carolina’s charter-friendly laws, which help fund them.

Research shows that buyers are willing to pay more for a home that is in proximity to high-performing schools, and charter schools are part of that decision-making today. The tricky thing with these schools, however, is that charter admissions operate on lotteries and early deadlines. This system can make the process easier on school administration while creating a more equitable program. However, it can lead to waitlists for many students.

In fact, charter schools are also open to all residents of the state. And these schools are not required to provide transportation for students, which can result in a significant commute. Neighborhoods with high-performing charter schools can boost a home’s desirability and resale value, which makes homes sell fast. Competition may be higher in these neighborhoods as well, so if you’re in the market to buy and interested in charter schools, talk to an experienced real estate agent to help you find a neighborhood that suits your needs.

The Triangle’s mix of population growth, innovation, and education-driven culture has created the perfect environment for charter schools to flourish. Families relocating from other states bring expectations for choice and specialization, and the region’s universities, tech employers, and community networks support that innovation.

The region is committed to innovation and experimentation, and charter schools naturally align with that mindset. And thanks to North Carolina’s charter-friendly legislation, it is easier than ever to open and expand schools. This allows the region to respond faster to demand than traditional districts can. This unique combination of factors makes the Triangle one of the most dynamic education markets in the country. Charter schools in the Triangle provide homebuyers with more meaningful options than ever before.

The Triangle’s charter-school surge is reshaping how families think about where they live, and how they spend their dollars on housing and education. With growing enrollment, expanding programs, and more parents seeking choice, education and real estate have never been more connected.Whether you’re moving across town or relocating from across the country, there’s a home and community that fits both your lifestyle and your family’s learning priorities. Explore Triangle communities to see what options are available to you.