Cape Hatteras Secondary School is a public middle and high school in Buxton, on Cape Hatteras in Dare County, North Carolina. It is a part of Dare County Schools. It serves grades 6 through 12. Its attendance boundary includes areas in the county on islands south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge.
Serving 364 students in grades 6-12, Cape Hatteras Secondary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 364 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Cape Hatteras Secondary School serves the southeastern part of its school district in Buxton, NC, covering an area of approximately 296.1 square miles. Families in this zone typically face a 20-30 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located about 36.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cape Hatteras Secondary School's student population of 364 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
364 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2000
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cape Hatteras Secondary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cape Hatteras Secondary School is 0.40, 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
#1183 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)50-54%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
21%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
White
75%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)49.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
Showing 2015–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cape Hatteras Secondary School's ranking?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School is ranked #1183 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Cape Hatteras Secondary School often compared to?
Cape Hatteras Secondary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Manteo High School, First Flight High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Cape Hatteras Secondary School?
The graduation rate of Cape Hatteras Secondary School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Cape Hatteras Secondary School?
364 students attend Cape Hatteras Secondary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Cape Hatteras Secondary School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cape Hatteras Secondary School?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Cape Hatteras Secondary School offer ?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cape Hatteras Secondary School part of?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School is part of Dare County Schools.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
Facilities are very nice but that is about it. Academic programs is mrore of a push to graduation its very doubtful that any student actually learns the material. There is little to no school spirit even with descent womens athletics and mens atheltics growing.
5 10/10/2025
The teachers are excellent and knowledgeable, for the most part. Facility is great and well maintained. Seems to be a wide variety of extracurricular, sports are somewhat limited with a small student body. Band seems to get many, many accolades.
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