Serving 661 students in grades 9-12, Draughn High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 85-89% (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 28:1 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 (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 661 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 28:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Jimmy C Draughn High School serves the eastern part of Valdese, NC, covering an attendance area of approximately 52.6 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive time of 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 4.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 8.5 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Draughn High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Draughn High School's student population of 661 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
661 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Draughn 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 Draughn High School is 0.42, 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
#276 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)85-89%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
7%
5%
Hispanic
10%
22%
Black
2%
24%
White
75%
42%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26.2%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Draughn High School's ranking?
Draughn High School is ranked #276 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Draughn High School often compared to?
Draughn High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East Burke High School, Patton High School, Freedom High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85-89% 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 Draughn High School?
The graduation rate of Draughn High School is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Draughn High School?
661 students attend Draughn High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Draughn High School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Draughn High School?
Draughn High School has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Draughn High School offer ?
Draughn High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Draughn High School part of?
Draughn High School is part of Burke County Schools.
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