For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 6,917 students in Hillsborough, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 288 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Hillsborough, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%). Hillsborough has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in North Carolina.
The top ranked public schools in Hillsborough, NC are The Expedition School, Eno River Academy and Cedar Ridge High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hillsborough, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Hillsborough have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% 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 Hillsborough, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
The Expedition School
Charter School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
437 Dimmocks Mill Rd Ste 33
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-8432
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-8432
Grades: K-8
| 361 students
Rank: #22.
Eno River Academy
Charter School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1212 Nc Highway 57 North
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Grades: K-12
| 810 students
Rank: #33.
Cedar Ridge High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1125 New Grady Brown Sch Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4000
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4000
Grades: 9-12
| 1,118 students
Rank: #44.
Hillsborough Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
402 North Nash Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6137
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6137
Grades: PK-5
| 434 students
Rank: #55.
Orange High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Orange High Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6133
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6133
Grades: 9-12
| 1,220 students
Rank: #66.
River Park Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
240 St. Mary's Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9326
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9326
Grades: PK-5
| 555 students
Rank: #77.
Orange Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
308 Orange High Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6121
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6121
Grades: 6-8
| 529 students
Rank: #88.
Partnership Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
920 Corporate Drive
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4030
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4030
Grades: 9-12
| 43 students
Rank: #99.
Pathways Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
431 Strouds Creek Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9136
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9136
Grades: PK-5
| 352 students
Rank: #1010.
Orange County Schools Online Academy
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
920 Corporate Dr
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-8126
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-8126
Grades: K-12
| 182 students
Rank: #1111.
A L Stanback Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3700 Nc 86 South
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-3200
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-3200
Grades: 6-8
| 625 students
Rank: #1212.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
154 Hayes St
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-3622
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-3622
Grades: PK-5
| 287 students
Rank: #1313.
Grady Brown Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1100 New Grady Brown Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6138
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6138
Grades: PK-5
| 401 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Hillsborough, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Hillsborough, NC include The Expedition School, Eno River Academy and Cedar Ridge High School. Hillsborough has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in North Carolina.
How many public schools are located in Hillsborough?
13 public schools are located in Hillsborough.
What percentage of students in Hillsborough go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Hillsborough are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough public schools minority enrollment is 44% 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 Hillsborough are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hillsborough include: Orange High School vs. Cedar Ridge High School, Cedar Ridge High School vs. Orange High School, Orange Middle School vs. A L Stanback Middle School
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