Serving 1,024 students in grades 9-12, Hickory High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 27:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,024 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Hickory High's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Hickory, NC, encompassing approximately 27.2 square miles. The typical drive to the school from any point within the zone is around 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge located about 6.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hickory High School's student population of 1,024 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 38% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,024 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1917
School Calendar
School Rankings
Hickory High 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 Hickory High School is 0.75, which is more 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
#995 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60-64%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
27:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
29%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
19%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
35%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
12%
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
86%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.9%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Tommy The Tornado
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hickory High School's ranking?
Hickory High School is ranked #995 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Hickory High School often compared to?
Hickory High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Saint Stephens High School, Newton-conover High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hickory High School?
The graduation rate of Hickory High School is 86%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Hickory High School?
1,024 students attend Hickory High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Hickory High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 12% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hickory High School?
Hickory High School has a student ration of 27:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Hickory High School offer ?
Hickory High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hickory High School part of?
Hickory High School is part of Hickory City Schools.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
Hickory High has improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years under the leadership of Rebecca Tuttle. She has successfully recruited many new teachers who have been excellent. My kids are working hard and being challenged with solid material. They are scoring well on AP exams and have been given opportunities to lead in service and in athletics. Hickory High is also very diverse which I see as a strength. Learning to work with and respect kids who are different than you is something I want my kids to embrace.
Review Hickory High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
