For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 5,472 students in Cornelius, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 294 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Cornelius, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC are William Amos Hough High School, Bailey Middle School and J.v. Washam Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cornelius, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Cornelius have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cornelius, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
William Amos Hough High School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12420 Bailey Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 344-0514
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 344-0514
Grades: 9-12
| 2,503 students
Rank: #22.
Bailey Middle School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11900 Bailey Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Grades: 6-8
| 1,325 students
Rank: #33.
J.v. Washam Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9611 Westmoreland Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Grades: K-5
| 810 students
Rank: #44.
Cornelius Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21126 Catawba Ave
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Grades: K-5
| 556 students
Rank: #55.
Lakeside Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
17609 Old Statesville Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Grades: K-8
| 278 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC include William Amos Hough High School, Bailey Middle School and J.v. Washam Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cornelius?
5 public schools are located in Cornelius.
What percentage of students in Cornelius go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Cornelius are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cornelius?
Cornelius public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cornelius are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cornelius include: Cornelius Elementary School vs. J.v. Washam Elementary School, J.v. Washam Elementary School vs. Cornelius Elementary School
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.