For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 648 students in Polk County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, NC are Polk County High School and Polk County Early College. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public high schools.
Polk County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 83%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Polk County Early College, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Polk County High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1681 East Nc 108 Hwy
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2525
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2525
Gr: 9-12 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Polk County Early College
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1545 East Nc 108 Hwy
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2698
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2698
Gr: 9-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, NC include Polk County High School and Polk County Early College.
How many public high schools are located in Polk County?
2 public high schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public high schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Polk County include: Polk County Early College vs. Polk County High School, Polk County High School vs. Polk County Early College
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.