FAQs

At Home in CMS is a multi-phase community effort that offers rental opportunities, homeownership and a dedicated educator community for our teachers. The district asks educators to call Charlotte home. And, in return, CMS is committing to helping them find a home of their own.

Both rental and homeownership assistance programs are available for qualified educators. Whether you’re looking to rent your first apartment, moving into a townhome, or putting a downpayment toward a single-family home, teachers can find an option that works for them. 

At Home in CMS is a direct response to educators’ expressed need. When the district surveyed its educators, 93% said housing costs were their most important consideration. And 61% said housing may impact whether they continue to work with CMS.

One of the most meaningful things CMS can do for students is to put them in a classroom with a teacher who cares about them, challenges them and sets them up for success. When teachers live where they work, schools have better retention, a better education for students and a better community for everyone.

• Rentals

At Home in CMS begins with state-of-the-art apartments at below-rate rents for teachers in high-need Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. 

These units will be available to both new and current teachers at priority staffing schools. Additionally, the district is actively encouraging rental communities in Charlotte to waive deposits, offer discounts and take other steps to help teachers find a home.

• Homeownership

The District is also partnering to provide options for teachers who want to own their own home. Our district recognizes that homeownership is part of many people’s long-term vision for their lives. At Home in CMS wants to keep that vision within reach for our teachers. That includes raising awareness about existing opportunities, such as House Charlotte, which offers down payment assistance for as much as $30,000-$50,000.

It also involves developing trusted partnerships with developers in our area to provide townhomes at cost to teachers serving high-need Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.