Jesse C. Carson High School is a public, co-educational secondary school located in China Grove, NC. It is one of seven high schools in the Rowan-Salisbury School System.
Serving 1,063 students in grades 9-12, Carson High School ranks in the top 30% 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 57% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,063 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 20% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Carson High serves the southern part of its school district in China Grove, NC, covering an area of approximately 64.6 square miles. Most students live within a 10-15 minute drive, with an average distance of about 5 miles to the school's edge and a maximum of 7.6 miles from the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Carson High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Carson High School's student population of 1,063 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,063 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Year Founded
2006
Colors
Navy Blue, Orange, Midnight blue
School Rankings
Carson High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Carson High School is 0.53, 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
#534 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)70-74%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
24%
22%
Black
6%
24%
White
64%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)89%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.3%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
3%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carson High School's ranking?
Carson High School is ranked #534 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Carson High School often compared to?
Carson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East Rowan High School, South Rowan 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 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Carson High School?
The graduation rate of Carson High School is 89%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Carson High School?
1,063 students attend Carson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Carson High School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Carson High School?
Carson High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Carson High School offer ?
Carson High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Carson High School part of?
Carson High School is part of Rowan-Salisbury Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I need some info on the school schedule
1 10/10/2025
It has such a low diversity rating because their hate won't allow the children to excel. Protect your minority children from the unfair practices. They do not follow rules so God forbid your child has an IEP. The Arts are the best thing at the school.
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