For the 2024 school year, there are 12 public high schools serving 7,130 students in Catawba County, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Catawba County, NC are Challenger Early College High School, Discovery High School and Bandys High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Catawba County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 57% statewide average). High schools in Catawba County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public high schools.
Catawba County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Challenger Early College High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Catawba County (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Challenger Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
2550 Hwy 70 Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Grades: 9-12
| 344 students
Rank: #22.
Discovery High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
301 West 18th St
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 466-5581
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 466-5581
Grades: 9-12
| 210 students
Rank: #33.
Bandys High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
5040 E Bandys Road
Catawba, NC 28609
(828) 241-1471
Catawba, NC 28609
(828) 241-1471
Grades: 9-12
| 791 students
Rank: #44.
Fred T Foard High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3407 Plateau Road
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1496
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1496
Grades: 9-12
| 936 students
Rank: #55.
Saint Stephens High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3205 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Grades: 9-12
| 1,176 students
Rank: #66.
Maiden High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
600 West Main Street
Maiden, NC 28650
(828) 428-8197
Maiden, NC 28650
(828) 428-8197
Grades: 9-12
| 805 students
Rank: #77.
Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
409 8th Avenue Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Grades: 6-12
| 188 students
Rank: #88.
Bunker Hill High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4675 Oxford School Road
Claremont, NC 28610
(828) 241-3355
Claremont, NC 28610
(828) 241-3355
Grades: 9-12
| 873 students
Rank: #99.
Newton-conover High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
338 W 15th Street
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 465-0920
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 465-0920
Grades: 9-12
| 691 students
Rank: #1010.
Hickory High School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1234 3rd Street Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Grades: 9-13
| 1,028 students
Rank: #1111.
Conover Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
108 7th Street Place Sw
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 464-9532
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 464-9532
Grades: PK-12
| 85 students
Rank: #1212.
Catawba Rosenwald Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
403 6th Ave Sw
Catawba, NC 28609
(828) 241-2734
Catawba, NC 28609
(828) 241-2734
Grades: K-12
| 3 students
Catawba County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Engelmann School Of Art And Sci (Closed 2007)
Charter School
2952 N Oxford Street
Claremont, NC 28610
(828) 459-2051
Claremont, NC 28610
(828) 459-2051
Grades: K-6
| 56 students
S Campus 420 North Center St
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 345-5807
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 345-5807
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
2110 Main Avenue Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-3689
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-3689
Grades: PK-6
| 326 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Catawba County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Catawba County, NC include Challenger Early College High School, Discovery High School and Bandys High School.
How many public high schools are located in Catawba County, NC?
12 public high schools are located in Catawba County, NC.
What is the racial composition of students in Catawba County, NC?
Catawba County, NC public high schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
How “Collaborative Reasoning” Could Be the Next Public School Trend
Collaborative reasoning, which encourages independent critical thinking, is growing in popularity amongst public schools. Learn about collaborative reasoning and how it benefits public school classrooms.
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
This comprehensive article explores the complex nature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, providing insights into its symptoms, diagnosis process, and effective support strategies. From recognizing early signs to navigating the diagnostic journey, parents will gain valuable knowledge to help their child thrive. Expert insights, real-life examples, and practical tips empower readers to create a supportive environment that meets the unique needs of children with ADHD.
March 04, 2024
Teaching in Contemporary TimesWe explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.
