This story first appeared in CityView Magazine’s 2026-2027 School Directory.
From public and private schools to charter schools and homeschooling, there are many education options for families trying to find the best fit for their children, but beginning that search can be challenging.
In Cumberland County, there are several learning environments outside public school if families want to explore non-traditional learning, language immersion, faith-based education, and other options. With each, there is much to evaluate before making a final decision.
Preschool is one of the first steps for young students. Some preschools have started open registration cycles for the upcoming term. If interested, head to individual school websites or offices to apply.
The NC Pre-K program through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services also provides free preschool education for families who qualify through participating Cumberland County Schools, Head Start programs, and licensed four- and five-star centers. Find more information and register.
For families with concerns about their child reaching certain developmental milestones, Cumberland County Schools (CCS) offers the Early-In Special Education Preschool program, a special education preschool for qualifying students ages 3–5. More information.
Other school choices span from kindergarten through high school. They include Choice Programs, charter schools, private schools, and even homeschooling if families prefer to plan their own field trips and have classes around the dining room table. There are schools that teach through drama, music, and art; others that offer year-round schedules; and some that partner with Fayetteville Technical Community College to offer associate degrees upon high school graduation. Each has distinct characteristics and is worth researching to find the perfect fit.
Cumberland County Schools Choice Programs
Cumberland County Schools offers Choice Programs throughout the county with options from elementary through high school. Programs at select schools include Spanish or Mandarin Chinese language immersion, year-round schedules, Montessori, classical studies, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), early college, and more. These programs are worth looking into if families are able to provide transportation to and from school. The application window to apply to CCS Choice Programs for the 2026-2027 school year ran through January 9.
Charter Schools
There are also public charter schools in the area. Public charter schools are tuition-free and have individual lottery systems for admission. There are no entrance requirements, and they have separate boards of directors that oversee operations.
Three public charter schools operate in our area: Alpha Academy in west Fayetteville, which has a STEM program; Capitol Encore Academy in downtown Fayetteville with arts-based learning methods; and Anderson Creek Academy in Spring Lake, which boasts a culturally responsive curriculum. With each charter school, families must provide uniforms and their own transportation, except for Alpha Academy. All three charter schools begin accepting applications early in the year, and new students are chosen by lottery. If not selected the first time, be patient. Waitlists can move up quickly.
Private Schools
Private schools have a lure for families who might want a Christian-based education or smaller class sizes. There are over two dozen private schools from which to choose in Cumberland County.
For most schools, there is an application process, a tuition schedule, and a requirement for students to maintain specific criteria. There may also be a requirement to have a recommendation from a church pastor if looking at a religious-based school. Most private schools require an interview.
Questions to Consider When Picking Choice Programs, Private, Charter Schools, or Homeschooling:
- What does tuition cover?
- What are your transportation needs? Can your chosen school provide them?
- Are uniforms a requirement? If so, is that an issue for your family or student?
- If allergies are an issue, how will your child be cared for? What is the policy on having prescription or emergency medications at school? Is there a nurse on staff?
- What sports are offered, and what grades can participate?
- What “extras” (like art, languages, and academically gifted programs) are offered?
- Does the school offer college counseling in high school?
- And if you have a child who learns differently, what special education programs can they offer, or do they have teachers who are trained to work with children with special learning disabilities?
Online or in-person tours are available at most schools. Looking at the facilities, meeting teachers, and checking over the curriculum can help families narrow down the choices. Asking friends for referrals can help explore firsthand experiences.
Most preschools and private schools have open houses. Check each school website and mark them in a calendar, especially for the preschool applications, because there is usually a waitlist for a few of the schools. With that, the time to look is now.
Tuition is a huge deterrent for some families, who can look at the yearly rates with alarm; however, there are scholarships and other financial aid available at some private schools. Contacting the school admission office is an important first step for learning about options.
There is also help through the state. North Carolina offers two scholarship programs through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) that help families afford private education. New applicants are entered into a lottery for parents who qualify for assistance based on income or have students with disabilities.
The Opportunity Scholarship program can help cover tuition and fees through a scholarship of between $3,000 and $7,000 if applicants meet the income requirements and other criteria. Education Savings Accounts (ESA+) Scholarships are for children with disabilities, and must submit an Eligibility Determination, which documents a disability and must have been issued within the past three years, when applying. The ESA+ can provide up to $9,000—or $17,000 for students with certain disabilities—for tuition and other expenses such as speech therapy and tutoring services. Families may apply for more than one program. The new student application window for both scholarships on February 2 for the 2026-2027 school year.
For families with multiple students, check with the school admissions office for a sibling discount. However, discounts will vary from school to school. Most schools also offer payment plans.
Homeschool
Homeschooling is another option for families who want to bring their education into their homes and have more control over the child’s curriculum and pace to meet their individual needs. There is a strong homeschooling community in Cumberland County with several local resources, including social media support and field trip or sports collaborations. Being informed on homeschooling requirements is crucial. Joining various local Facebook groups like N.C. Homeschool Families will also be helpful.
Finding the right learning environment that best meets a student’s needs is the goal. Whether a school is private, public, or charter, it is important to find the right fit.
