For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 2,926 students in Hickory, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Hickory, NC are Saint Stephens High School, Challenger Early College High School and Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hickory, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Hickory have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public high schools.
Hickory, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 85%.
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 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Hickory, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Saint Stephens High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3205 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Grades: 9-12
| 1,298 students
Rank: #22.
Challenger Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2550 Hwy 70 Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Grades: 9-12
| 362 students
Rank: #33.
Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
409 8th Avenue Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Grades: 9-12
| 232 students
Rank: #44.
Hickory High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1234 3rd Street Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Grades: 9-12
| 1,034 students
Hickory, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
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 Hickory, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Hickory, NC include Saint Stephens High School, Challenger Early College High School and Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School.
How many public high schools are located in Hickory?
4 public high schools are located in Hickory.
What is the racial composition of students in Hickory?
Hickory public high schools minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Hickory are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Hickory include: Hickory High School vs. Saint Stephens High School, Saint Stephens High School vs. Hickory High 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.