North Carolina is the #9 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,524,291 students across the 2,752 public schools for the 2024 school year (there are 835 private schools, serving 124,931 students). 92% of all K-12 students in North Carolina are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in North Carolina is 42%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 47%.
The top ranked public schools in North Carolina are Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy, Brown Summit Middle School and Brunswick County Early College. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Minority enrollment is 55% (majority Black) and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(NC) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
4%
Hispanic
20%
Black
25%
White
45%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in North Carolina (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 97% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 97% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
5225 Seventy-seven Center Dr
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Rank: #22.
Brown Summit Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
4720 Nc Highway 150 East
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Brunswick County Early College
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-13
50 College Road Ne
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 754-8565
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 754-8565
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Highland Sch Of Technology
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1600 N Morris Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 810-8816
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 810-8816
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Quest Academy
Charter School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
10908 Strickland Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 841-0441
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 841-0441
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Wake Early College Of Health And Science
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-13
2901 Holston Lane
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 212-5800
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 212-5800
Rank: #77.
Central Of Technology And Arts
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
600 Brewer Dr
Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 296-3088
Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 296-3088
Rank: #8 - 108. - 10.
Challenger Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
2550 Hwy 70 Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Rank: #8 - 108. - 10.
Nesbitt Discovery Academy
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
175 Bingham Rd Ste 10
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 271-4521
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 271-4521
Rank: #8 - 108. - 10.
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1307 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 715-1155
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 715-1155
Best North Carolina Public Schools by County (2024)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in North Carolina?
The top ranked public schools in North Carolina include Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy, Brown Summit Middle School and Brunswick County Early College.
How many public schools are located in North Carolina?
2,752 public schools are located in North Carolina.
What percentage of students in North Carolina go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in North Carolina are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in North Carolina?
Minority enrollment in North Carolina is 55% (majority Black)
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