Palisades High School: Top School in Charlotte, NC (2026 List)

About Palisades High School

Palisades High School, located at 15221 York Road, Charlotte, NC 28278, serves grades 9–11 as a public high school within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The school enrolls approximately 2,268 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 21:1. The student body is roughly 49% female and 51% male. Reading and math outcomes indicate 42% math proficiency and 62% reading proficiency, reflecting a well-rounded academic environment with broad opportunities for student growth. Opened in 2022, Palisades is one of Charlotte’s newest high schools, created to serve the rapidly expanding southwest Mecklenburg County region. The graduation rate is 81%. Palisades High School emphasizes advanced academics, career readiness, fine arts, athletics, and leadership development. Situated in the Palisades community near Lake Wylie and the North Carolina–South Carolina border, the school benefits from a growing residential corridor in southwest Charlotte. Residential values often range from $450,000 to more than $1 million, particularly in master-planned neighborhoods. Through its expanding academic programs and student-focused learning environment, Palisades High School helps broaden the range of educational pathways available among top high schools in North Carolina.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 42%

Reading 62%

State average proficiency is 42% in Math and 62% in Reading.

111

Full-time Teachers

20 : 1

Student-Teacher Ratio

2241

Total Students

$60104

Avg. Teacher Salary

Student Demographics

White 14.99%

Asian 5.27%

Hispanic 29.72%

Black 45.47%

Two+ Races 4.11%

Native Am. 0.22%

White

14.99%

Asian

5.27%

Hispanic

29.72%

Black

45.47%

Two+ Races

4.11%

Native Am.

0.22%

Gender Distribution

Total Students: 2241

48.73%

1092 Female

51.27%

1149 Male

Student Population

2241 Students

With a student-teacher ratio of 20 : 1

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Palisades High School Contact Information

Address

15221 York Road, Charlotte, NC, 28278

View on Map

Phone

(980) 343-0878

Call Now

Website

cmsk12.org

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 7:15 AM - 2:15 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 7:00 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

For Palisades High School football coach Jonathan Simmons and his team, 2026 will be the chance for a third straight winning season and conference title. The Pumas return 15 lettermen and 10 starters, including quarterback Cole Hough and rising junior offensive tackle Ephraim Holmes, and hope to become a regular force in southwest Mecklenburg County. The team’s ascent is a reflection of the burgeoning athletic programs and competitive atmosphere at one of Charlotte’s newest high schools.

FAQ

Q1. What is unique about Palisades High School?

Ans. Palisades High School is one of the newest high schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system and is located in the rapidly growing southwest Charlotte area.

Q2. How has the school's newer campus influenced student life?

Ans. Modern facilities support athletics, performing arts, STEM courses, and collaborative learning spaces.

Q3. Which activities have quickly become popular at Palisades High School?

Ans. Athletics, student leadership groups, performing arts programs, and academic clubs have grown alongside the school itself.

Q4. What academic opportunities are available to students?

Ans. Courses are available in a wide range of subject areas for advanced coursework, career-oriented programs and college-credit options.

Q5. What helps define the school's atmosphere?

Ans. The school is still developing its traditions and this gives a strong feeling of growth and community ownership.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

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What Parents Say