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A Journey of Growth

At Cannon School, meaningful relationships inspire students to think deeply, grow with confidence, and discover what they are capable of. This foundation prepares them to adapt, contribute, and make a difference in an unpredictable and ever-changing world.

Schedule A Tour     Open House Nov. 14

Cannon School is an accredited, coeducational, independent JrK-12
college preparatory school located in Concord, North Carolina.

100%

Of graduates matriculate to college 

- 98% Four Year
- 2% Two Year

13:1

Student to instructor ratio

14

Bus routes with nearly 40 hub stops from Mooresville to South Charlotte

1,057

Students enrolled from Jrk to Grade 12

27

Advanced courses -15 AP
- 12  Advanced Topics

65

Acre campus

85%

Of faculty hold advanced degrees

47

Athletic teams 

 

A Teaching Philosophy Centered Around Relationships

The student-teacher relationship is foundational for teaching and learning at Cannon School. Cannon students are known by their teachers and come to develop deep and lasting relationships both with their teachers and within their areas of study.

Grounded in self-determination theory, Relational Teaching reflects our belief that students thrive when their needs for autonomy, belongingness, and competence are supported in the classroom and the broader school community. Relationships are not separate from learning; they make deep learning possible. We create classrooms where students have meaningful ownership, experience genuine connection, and build confidence through authentic challenge and support.

Self-determination theory (SDT) in relational teaching focuses on satisfying three basic psychological needs - autonomy, competence, and belongingness - through warm, trusting, and connected educator-student interactions

 

Adaptive Expertise: Our Guiding Academic Framework

For two decades, Adaptive Expertise  (AE) has been our model for the skills and habits students need to succeed in a world marked by change, complexity, and uncertainty. Our goal is not simply for students to master content, but for them to become learners who can apply what they know, learn what they need next, and respond thoughtfully as situations shift.

In 2026, Cannon School developed six essential capacities that now anchor Cannon’s AE model: Scholarship, Adaptability, Creativity, Resilience, Reflection, and Communication. Students put Adaptive Expertise into practice through coursework and experiences across the school that challenge them to think creatively, reflect on their learning, and approach new situations with confidence.

AE helps prepare students not only for future coursework but for meaningful problem-solving and lifelong learning.

 

An Education Rooted in our Mission & Core Values

Cannon School’s educational philosophy grows directly from our mission: Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth.

Our Core Values form the foundation of this work. These values are lived through students’ daily experience and are reinforced through counselor-led social-emotional learning and Responsive Classroom in the Lower School, and through advisory and student life programming in the Middle and Upper Schools. We believe that academic growth and character growth are inseparable. 

CANNON'S MISSION & VALUES

 

Many Individuals, Many Perspectives

Cannon School employs a science-based approach to learning and diversity, belonging, and engagement work, recognizing the close connection between emotion and cognition. Research in the fields of mind, brain, and education has informed our understanding of effective teaching and learning practices and highlights the important role belonging plays in student engagement, well-being, and academic success.

This understanding reinforces our commitment to fostering environments where students experience a strong sense of belonging that supports both learning and well-being.

BELONGING AT CANNON SCHOOL

 

Prepared to Thrive Beyond Cannon

Cannon students prepare for college and for lives of purpose and possibility. Through personal relationships and four years of individualized college counseling, they discover their strengths, explore their interests, and identify colleges where they can thrive. In partnership with families, we help students build the confidence, independence, and resilience to navigate their next chapter and beyond.

CANNON SCHOOL COLLEGE COUNSELING

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Centers (ARCs) at Cannon School cultivate a community of learners who are empowered to grow academically, personally, and socially. These dedicated spaces help students learn how to learn. 

Learn more.

Makerspaces

Cannon's makerspaces provide a dynamic location for interdisciplinary creative integration, where students explore the connections between art, design, and other subject areas. 

Learn more.

 

Texas Grace Audio Lab

This recording studio makes Cannon School one of the only independent schools in the region to offer on-site recording and production capabilities to students. 

Learn more.

Libraries

Our libraries have a combined collection of over 20,000 print volumes, an expanding eBook collection, and access to the latest in online resources.

Learn more.

Enhanced Learning Spaces

A 12,500 sq. ft. expansion and renovation of the Upper School introduced flexible classrooms, modern science labs, and open student spaces designed to foster engagement, exploration, and dynamic learning experiences.

To ensure comprehensive academic support from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, the addition of dedicated Academic Resource Centers (ARCs) in the Lower, Middle, and Upper School will cultivate growth, curiosity, confidence, and independent learning.

Learn more.

VISIT OUR CAMPUS

The best way to discover Cannon is to experience it. Visit our campus, see learning in action, and discover how meaningful relationships help students grow. Our admission team looks forward to learning about your family and helping you explore what’s possible at Cannon.

  • Explore our campus and learning spaces
  • Learn about the division that fits your student
  • Discuss your family’s interests and questions
  • Get guidance on the admission process

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