Serving 542 students in grades 9-12, Avery County High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 542 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Avery County High's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Newland, NC, encompassing approximately 247.5 square miles. Families in the area can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance from the school to the zone's edge being about 9.4 miles and the furthest edge located 15 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Avery County High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Avery County High School's student population of 542 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
542 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Year Founded
1968
School Motto
Welcome to Avery High School
School Rankings
Avery County High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Avery County High School is 0.36, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#420 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)70-74%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
17%
22%
Black
n/a
24%
White
78%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Avery County High School's ranking?
Avery County High School is ranked #420 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Avery County High School often compared to?
Avery County High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Marjorie Williams Academy, Myers Park High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Avery County High School?
The graduation rate of Avery County High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Avery County High School?
542 students attend Avery County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Avery County High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Avery County High School?
Avery County High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Avery County High School offer ?
Avery County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Avery County High School part of?
Avery County High School is part of Avery County Schools.
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