North Carolina is the #9 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,513,712 students across the 2,733 public schools for the 2023 school year (there are 843 private schools, serving 122,394 students). 93% of all K-12 students in North Carolina are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in North Carolina is 42%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 47%.
The top ranked public schools in North Carolina are Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Brown Summit Middle School and Brunswick County Early College Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Minority enrollment is 54% (majority Black) and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(NC) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
4%
Hispanic
19%
Black
25%
White
46%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in North Carolina (2023)
School (Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy
Charter School
Math: 97% | Reading: ≥99%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 97% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
5225 Seventy-seven Center Dr
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Rank: #22.
Brown Summit Middle School
Magnet School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥99%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
4720 Nc Highway 150 East
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Brunswick County Early College Elementary School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-13
50 College Road Ne
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 754-8565
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 754-8565
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Highland School Of Technology
Magnet School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1600 N Morris Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 810-8816
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 810-8816
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Quest Academy
Charter School
Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
10908 Strickland Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 841-0441
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 841-0441
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Wake Early College Of Health And Science Elementary School
Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-13
2901 Holston Lane
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 212-5800
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 212-5800
Rank: #77.
Central Academy Of Technology And Arts
Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
600 Brewer Dr
Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 296-3088
Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 296-3088
Rank: #8 - 108. - 10.
Challenger Early College High School
Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
2550 Hwy 70 Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Rank: #8 - 108. - 10.
Nesbitt Discovery Academy
Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
175 Bingham Rd Ste 10
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 271-4521
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 271-4521
Rank: #8 - 108. - 10.
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter School
Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1307 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 715-1155
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 715-1155
Best North Carolina Public Schools by County (2023)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in North Carolina?
The top ranked public schools in North Carolina include Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Brown Summit Middle School and Brunswick County Early College Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in North Carolina?
2,733 public schools are located in North Carolina.
What percentage of students in North Carolina go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in North Carolina are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in North Carolina?
Minority enrollment in North Carolina is 54% (majority Black)
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