Home > North Carolina > Burke County

Burke County Schools

Item: Burke County Schools
Rating: 6
Author: Public School Review

700 East Parker Road
Morganton, NC 28655

( shown in map)

Top 50%

Tel: (828) 439-4311

www.burke.k12.nc.us

Top Rankings

Burke County Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Carolina for:

Overview

This School District

This State (NC)

# Schools

27 Schools

758 Schools

# Students

11,667 Students

568,636 Students

# Teachers

689 Teachers

31,535 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

17:1

Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
Pre-K	6	2
Kind	5	20
1	5	21
2	7	21
3	4	22
4	4	22
5	7	23
6	7	34
7	7	36
8	14	37
9	931	385
10	970	359
11	945	337
12	953	315

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

Burke County Schools, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 314 school districts in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 85% has decreased from 88% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (NC)

#144 out of 325 school districts
(Top 50%)

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Burke County Schools
2023	#144
2022	#144
2021	#152
2019	#123
2018	#126
2017	#125
2016	#119
2015	#101
2014	#95
2013	#86
2012	#71
2011	#64
2010	#62

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(21-22)

54%

51%

View Data

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2022	54%	51%
2021	43%	42%
2019	45%	42%
2018	43%	48%
2017	50%	47%
2016	49%	47%
2015	48%	44%
2014	47%	43%
2013	46%	42%
2012	88%	82%
2011	89%	82%
2010	88%	81%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

50%

View Data

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2022	50%	50%
2021	47%	47%
2019	47%	46%
2018	43%	47%
2017	47%	46%
2016	48%	47%
2015	50%	46%
2014	48%	46%
2013	46%	45%
2012	79%	73%
2011	77%	70%
2010	75%	69%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

66%

63%

View Data

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2022	66%	63%
2021	63%	61%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

85%

86.5%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	85%	86%
2022	88%	86%
2021	91%	85%
2020	92%	86%
2019	90%	85%
2018	88%	86%
2017	86%	88%
2016	91%	88%
2015	90%	87%
2014	91%	86%
2013	88%	85%
2012	85%	83%
2011	85%	81%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(2022-23)

23.3%

28.7%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	23.3%	28.7%
2022	39.8%	33.4%
2021	25.8%	25.4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.56

0.71

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	0.56	0.71
2022	0.55	0.70
2021	0.53	0.69
2020	0.51	0.70
2019	0.51	0.68
2018	0.49	0.68
2017	0.49	0.67
2016	0.48	0.66
2015	0.46	0.66
2014	0.46	0.65
2013	0.45	0.65
2012	0.44	0.64
2011	0.43	0.64
2010	0.41	0.61
2009	0.41	0.61
2008	0.39	0.61
2007	0.40	0.60
2006	0.40	0.58
2005	0.39	0.57
2004	0.39	0.57
2003	0.37	0.56
2002	0.37	0.55
2001	0.36	0.53
2000	0.35	0.53
1999	0.34	0.51
1998	0.32	0.51
1997	0.30	0.50
1996	0.27	0.49
1995	0.25	0.49
1994	0.24	0.48
1993	0.21	0.48
1992	0.21	0.48
1991	0.20	0.48
1990	0.20	0.48
1989	0.19	0.47
1988	0.19	0.47

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

n/a

% Asian

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Asian Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	6%	4%
2022	7%	4%
2021	6%	4%
2020	6%	4%
2019	6%	3%
2018	7%	4%
2017	7%	3%
2016	6%	3%
2015	7%	3%
2014	7%	3%
2013	7%	3%
2012	7%	3%
2011	7%	2%
2010	7%	3%
2009	7%	2%
2008	9%	3%
2007	9%	3%
2006	9%	2%
2005	9%	2%
2004	10%	2%
2003	10%	2%
2002	10%	2%
2001	10%	2%
2000	10%	2%
1999	9%	2%
1998	9%	2%
1997	7%	1%
1996	7%	1%
1995	5%	1%
1994	4%	1%
1993	4%	1%
1992	3%	1%
1991	3%	1%
1990	3%	1%
1989	2%	1%
1988	2%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

21%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison (1994-2023)
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	20%	20%
2022	19%	20%
2021	18%	19%
2020	16%	19%
2019	16%	18%
2018	15%	18%
2017	15%	17%
2016	14%	16%
2015	13%	16%
2014	11%	15%
2013	11%	14%
2012	10%	13%
2011	9%	13%
2010	7%	11%
2009	7%	11%
2008	7%	11%
2007	7%	10%
2006	5%	8%
2005	5%	8%
2004	4%	7%
2003	4%	6%
2002	4%	5%
2001	3%	4%
2000	3%	4%
1999	2%	3%
1998	2%	3%
1997	2%	2%
1996	1%	2%
1995	1%	2%
1994	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

25%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Black Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	4%	25%
2022	4%	25%
2021	4%	25%
2020	5%	24%
2019	5%	25%
2018	4%	25%
2017	4%	26%
2016	5%	26%
2015	5%	26%
2014	5%	26%
2013	5%	26%
2012	6%	26%
2011	6%	26%
2010	10%	31%
2009	10%	31%
2008	7%	29%
2007	7%	29%
2006	9%	31%
2005	9%	32%
2004	9%	31%
2003	8%	31%
2002	8%	31%
2001	8%	31%
2000	8%	31%
1999	8%	31%
1998	8%	31%
1997	8%	31%
1996	7%	31%
1995	8%	30%
1994	8%	30%
1993	8%	30%
1992	8%	30%
1991	8%	30%
1990	8%	30%
1989	8%	30%
1988	9%	30%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

62%

44%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

White Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	63%	44%
2022	64%	45%
2021	66%	46%
2020	68%	46%
2019	68%	48%
2018	69%	48%
2017	69%	49%
2016	71%	50%
2015	72%	50%
2014	73%	51%
2013	73%	52%
2012	74%	53%
2011	74%	53%
2010	76%	54%
2009	76%	54%
2008	77%	55%
2007	77%	56%
2006	77%	57%
2005	77%	57%
2004	77%	58%
2003	78%	59%
2002	78%	60%
2001	79%	61%
2000	79%	61%
1999	81%	63%
1998	81%	63%
1997	83%	64%
1996	85%	65%
1995	86%	65%
1994	87%	66%
1993	88%	66%
1992	89%	66%
1991	89%	66%
1990	89%	66%
1989	90%	67%
1988	89%	67%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

% Two or more races

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison (2011-2023)
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	7%	6%
2022	6%	5%
2021	6%	5%
2020	5%	6%
2019	5%	5%
2018	5%	4%
2017	5%	4%
2016	4%	4%
2015	3%	4%
2014	4%	4%
2013	4%	4%
2012	3%	4%
2011	4%	4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $12,961 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,318. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $13,182 is less than the state median of $13,934. The school district spending/student has grown by 5% over four school years.

This School District

This State (NC)

Total Revenue

$151 MM

$20,622 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$151 MM	$11 MM
2022	$148 MM	$9 MM
2021	$125 MM	$8 MM
2020	$122 MM	$8 MM
2019	$119 MM	$8 MM
2018	$115 MM	$8 MM
2017	$115 MM	$8 MM
2016	$111 MM	$8 MM
2015	$125 MM	$18 MM
2014	$110 MM	$10 MM
2012	$111 MM	$17 MM
2011	$121 MM	$19 MM
2010	$125 MM	$18 MM
2009	$129 MM	$19 MM
2008	$123 MM	$18 MM
2007	$117 MM	$18 MM
2006	$110 MM	$15 MM
2005	$108 MM	$15 MM
2004	$105 MM	$17 MM
2003	$104 MM	$17 MM
2002	$101 MM	$16 MM
2001	$97 MM	$17 MM
2000	$96 MM	$20 MM
1999	$98 MM	$23 MM
1998	$81 MM	$26 MM
1997	$69 MM	$34 MM
1996	$69 MM	$34 MM
1995	$68 MM	$32 MM
1992	$60 MM	$23 MM
1990	$57 MM	$22 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$154 MM

$21,575 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$154 MM	$10 MM
2022	$145 MM	$9 MM
2021	$125 MM	$8 MM
2020	$124 MM	$8 MM
2019	$121 MM	$7 MM
2018	$117 MM	$8 MM
2017	$115 MM	$9 MM
2016	$113 MM	$8 MM
2015	$124 MM	$18 MM
2014	$115 MM	$11 MM
2012	$110 MM	$16 MM
2011	$115 MM	$17 MM
2010	$124 MM	$18 MM
2009	$130 MM	$18 MM
2008	$121 MM	$17 MM
2007	$114 MM	$18 MM
2006	$106 MM	$15 MM
2005	$102 MM	$15 MM
2004	$100 MM	$16 MM
2003	$102 MM	$17 MM
2002	$96 MM	$15 MM
2001	$94 MM	$17 MM
2000	$93 MM	$20 MM
1999	$95 MM	$24 MM
1998	$79 MM	$26 MM
1997	$69 MM	$36 MM
1996	$66 MM	$33 MM
1995	$66 MM	$32 MM
1992	$73 MM	$23 MM
1990	$56 MM	$21 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$12,961

$13,318

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$12,847	$13,656
2022	$12,751	$12,185
2021	$10,634	$10,282
2020	$9,931	$9,918
2019	$9,754	$9,125
2018	$9,240	$9,419
2017	$9,109	$10,522
2016	$8,704	$9,128
2015	$9,594	$10,864
2014	$8,548	$9,046
2012	$8,192	$10,562
2011	$8,761	$12,703
2010	$8,848	$10,864
2009	$8,285	$11,105
2008	$8,748	$11,767
2007	$8,097	$9,479
2006	$7,490	$9,335
2005	$7,278	$8,913
2004	$7,091	$8,734
2003	$7,078	$8,577
2002	$6,881	$8,130
2001	$6,660	$7,294
2000	$6,653	$7,636
1999	$6,862	$7,252
1998	$5,784	$5,688
1997	$5,071	$5,690
1995	$5,221	$5,545
1992	$4,893	$4,737
1990	$4,739	$4,663

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$13,182

$13,934

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Burke County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$13,067	$12,720
2022	$12,502	$11,976
2021	$10,655	$9,990
2020	$10,085	$9,654
2019	$9,906	$8,949
2018	$9,350	$9,637
2017	$9,107	$11,583
2016	$8,875	$9,753
2015	$9,540	$10,591
2014	$9,003	$9,388
2012	$8,159	$10,336
2011	$8,321	$11,927
2010	$8,799	$10,591
2009	$8,333	$10,880
2008	$8,634	$11,136
2007	$7,829	$9,418
2006	$7,170	$8,813
2005	$6,857	$8,647
2004	$6,737	$8,413
2003	$6,907	$8,886
2002	$6,526	$7,903
2001	$6,421	$7,301
2000	$6,496	$7,650
1999	$6,669	$7,340
1998	$5,649	$5,663
1997	$5,030	$6,040
1995	$5,037	$5,570
1992	$5,967	$4,725
1990	$4,612	$4,461

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best Burke County Schools Public High Schools (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Draughn High School

(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 60-64%)
:

Top 20%

Add to Compare

709 Lovelady Road Ne
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 879-4200

Gr: 9-12 | 661 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 25%

Rank: #22.

East Burke High School

(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 58%)
:

Top 20%

Add to Compare

3695 East Burke Boulevard
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
(828) 397-5541

Gr: 9-12 | 874 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 25%

Rank: #33.

Patton High School

(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
:

Top 20%

Add to Compare

701 Enola Road
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 433-3000

Gr: 9-12 | 756 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 30%

Rank: #44.

Freedom High School

(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 57%)
:

Top 30%

Add to Compare

511 Independence Boulevard
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 433-1310

Gr: 9-12 | 1,299 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 54%

Rank: #55.

North Liberty

Special Education School

(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

523 Enola Road
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 437-9656

Gr: PK-12 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 29%

Rank: #66.

Hallyburton Academy

Alternative School

(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

205 South Main Street
Drexel, NC 28619
(828) 437-4184

Gr: 6-12 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 38%

Rank: n/an/a

Burke Middle College

Add to Compare

1001 Burkemont Ave
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 448-3175

Gr: 11-12 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 43:1 Minority enrollment: 47%

Rank: n/an/a

Burke Virtual Academy

Add to Compare

Heritage Middle School, 1951 E
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 448-3175

Gr: K-12

Recent Articles

October 07, 2026

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?

Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.

October 07, 2026

Does Your Child Need More Recess?

Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.

October 07, 2026

Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know

Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Facts (26-27)

District size: 27 schools
Grades: PK-12
Enrollment: 11,667 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Minority Enrollment: 38%
: 85% (Top 50% in NC)
: Top 50%
: 54% (Top 50%)
: 50% (Btm 50%)
: 66% (Top 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education