1. School District Overview

Fort Mill, SC
Fort Mill is part of the Fort Mill School District (York County District 4) — one of the top-rated districts in South Carolina. It serves the Fort Mill and Tega Cay areas and is consistently recognized for academic performance, teacher quality, and extracurricular programs.

Schools like Fort Mill High, Nation Ford High, and Catawba Ridge High regularly earn top state rankings. The district is known for small community feel, active parental involvement, and modern facilities that reflect the area’s rapid growth.

Matthews, NC
Matthews is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district, one of the largest in the Southeast. Matthews students typically attend well-regarded schools such as Butler High, Providence High, and Crestdale Middle.

While CMS is large and diverse, Matthews-area schools tend to perform above district averages, especially in neighborhoods like Shannamara, Brookhaven, and Sardis Plantation.

Takeaway: Fort Mill offers a smaller, high-performing district with consistent ratings across schools. Matthews provides strong individual schools within a much larger system.

2. Academic Performance and Ratings

On most rating platforms, Fort Mill’s schools consistently rank among the top 5% in South Carolina, while Matthews-area schools often rank in the top 15–20% in North Carolina.

Fort Mill’s smaller size allows for more district-wide consistency, while Matthews schools vary more depending on zoning and neighborhood.

Takeaway: Fort Mill has the edge in consistency, while Matthews gives more flexibility with a range of strong schools across the area.

3. Class Sizes and Facilities

Fort Mill’s rapid population growth has led to new schools with modern facilities, advanced technology, and updated athletic programs. However, growth has also created enrollment pressures, leading to occasional rezoning and waitlists.

Matthews schools are well-established, with larger campuses and more extracurricular options tied to the broader CMS system.

Takeaway: Fort Mill offers newer schools and smaller class sizes; Matthews provides more programs and district resources.

4. Community and Involvement

Both suburbs score high on community engagement, but the culture differs slightly.

• Fort Mill: Strong sense of small-town pride, family involvement, and community events tied to the schools.
• Matthews: Long-established neighborhoods, active parent-teacher associations, and strong local support for school activities.

Takeaway: Both are community-driven — Fort Mill leans newer and tightly knit, while Matthews offers long-standing traditions and stability.

5. Home Values and Taxes

Education impacts home values, and both suburbs reflect that. Fort Mill’s top-rated district keeps prices strong, though property taxes are lower than in Mecklenburg County. Matthews offers established neighborhoods with mature trees and proximity to Charlotte, but higher property taxes and larger class sizes can influence buyer decisions.

Takeaway: Fort Mill offers better tax advantages; Matthews offers convenience and established charm.

Krasnoff Key

If schools are your top priority, Fort Mill often wins for overall district performance and consistency. Matthews remains an excellent choice for families who prefer established neighborhoods and proximity to Charlotte with strong individual schools.

Both suburbs deliver quality education and family-focused living — the best choice depends on your priorities:

• Choose Fort Mill for top-rated schools, lower taxes, and new community growth.
• Choose Matthews for tradition, location, and variety within the CMS system.

Either way, families in both areas enjoy access to excellent education and an unbeatable Charlotte metro lifestyle.