Public School Review - Established 2003

Best North Carolina Alternative Public Middle Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 58 alternative public middle schools serving 3,429 students in North Carolina.
The top ranked alternative public middle schools in North Carolina are One Academy, Phoenix Academy High School and Stanly Academy Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
North Carolina alternative public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Alternative Public Middle Schools in North Carolina (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
One Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
501 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Siler City, NC 27344
(919) 663-5899
Gr: 6-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Phoenix Academy High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
750 S Merritt Mill Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2300
Gr: 8-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #33.
Stanly Academy Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1121 Austin St
Albemarle, NC 28001
(704) 961-4500
Gr: 8-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #44.
Blue Ridge High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
76 Old Montezuma Rd
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Gr: 6-12 | 15 students Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
Performance Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4521 Weddington Road
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 260-6800
Gr: 6-12 | 75 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #66.
Career Readiness Academy At Mosley Plc
Alternative School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3702 Princess Place Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 251-6161
Gr: 6-12 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Asbury Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
221 Salem Church Road
Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 736-4766
Gr: 6-12 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Bridges School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
140 Vashti Dr
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 808-3040
Gr: 6-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Central Davie Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
160 Martin Luther King Jr. Roa
Mocksville, NC 27028
(336) 751-5712
Gr: 3-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
North Whiteville Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
310 S Martin Luther King Jr Av
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4161
Gr: 6-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Shaw Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
18700 Old Wire Road
Laurinburg, NC 28352
(910) 276-0611
Gr: 6-12 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1212.
The Coast
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 21-39% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1109 Old Ocean Highway
Bolivia, NC 28422
(910) 312-2780
Gr: 6-12 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #1313.
Community High School
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
235 Old Us 70
Swannanoa, NC 28778
(828) 686-7734
Gr: 7-12 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1414.
Jackson Community School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3770 Skyland Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4328
Gr: 5-12 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1515.
Henderson County Career Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
300 East Campus Drive
Flat Rock, NC 28731
(828) 697-4629
Gr: 6-12 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1616.
Pender Innovative Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1886 Nc Hwy 133
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Gr: K-12 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #1717.
Stoner-thomas School
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
215 County School Road
Lexington, NC 27292
(336) 248-5421
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #1818.
The Score Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
401 Moss Street
Reidsville, NC 27320
(336) 634-3209
Gr: K-12 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #1919.
Yadkin Success Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
733 East Main Street
Yadkinville, NC 27055
(336) 551-1166
Gr: K-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #2020.
River Oaks Middle School
Alternative School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4700 New Bern Ave
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 231-5600
Gr: 6-8 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
H L Trigg Community
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1004 Parkview Drive
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 335-1765
Gr: 6-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Pruette Scale Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
900 English Road
High Point, NC 27262
(336) 878-5380
Gr: 6-12 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
Rank: #2323.
The Oaks Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
The Oaks Academy, 4700 East Us
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6775
Gr: 6-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #2424.
Thomas Academy
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
206-b Rube Mccray Circle
Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
(910) 646-2237
Gr: 6-12 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #25 - 3025. - 30.
Davidson County High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2061 E Holly Grove Road
Lexington, NC 27292
(336) 242-1459
Gr: 6-12 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #25 - 3025. - 30.
Henderson High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1215 North Main St
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3134
Gr: 6-12 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #25 - 3025. - 30.
J. C. Roe Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2875 Worth Drive
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 395-4472
Gr: 6-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #25 - 3025. - 30.
Kingswood School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
271 Mercantile Drive
Winston Salem, NC 27105
(336) 703-4128
Gr: PK-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #25 - 3025. - 30.
Lake Forest Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1802 S 15th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-2515
Gr: K-8 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #25 - 3025. - 30.
Montgomery Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
310 S Main
Troy, NC 27371
(910) 572-1161
Gr: 6-12 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #3131.
Scale School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1401 Summit Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 545-2031
Gr: 6-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Rank: #3232.
Mount Vernon
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5418 Chapel Hill Rd
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 233-4313
Gr: K-8 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #3333.
Rutherford Opportunity Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
140 Old Caroleen Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Gr: 6-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #34 - 4134. - 41.
Bragg Street Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
504 Bragg Street
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 775-2686
Gr: 6-12 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #34 - 4134. - 41.
The Community Learning Center Pinckney
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
160 Pinckney Road
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2603
Gr: 6-12 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Show 23 more Alternative public schools in North Carolina (out of 58 total schools)
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked alternative public middle schools in North Carolina?
The top ranked alternative public middle schools in North Carolina include One Academy, Phoenix Academy High School and Stanly Academy Learning Center.
How many alternative public middle schools are located in North Carolina?
58 alternative public middle schools are located in North Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in North Carolina?
North Carolina alternative public middle schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (NC):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
 Freshmen Orientation: Helping Your Rising 9th Grader Prepare for High School
Freshmen Orientation: Helping Your Rising 9th Grader Prepare for High...
School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
 A Relevant History of Public Education in the United States
A Relevant History of Public Education in the United States
 10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students

More Articles

Scholarships
Teaching
Public School Jobs
Parenting and Learning Issues
Opinion