Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is a public school system in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the second-largest school district in North Carolina and the 17th largest in the United States. CMS serves over 147,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12 and employs over 19,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the Charlotte area. The district operates 176 schools, including 89 elementary schools, 34 middle schools, 29 high schools, and 24 alternative and special schools. CMS is committed to providing all students with a high-quality education that prepares them for college, career, and life.