For the 2025 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 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Polk County (2025)
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 | 593 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
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 | 55 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
373 Harmon Field Rd
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6636
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6636
Gr: 6-8 | 236 students Minority enrollment: 16%
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 55% (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 High School vs. Polk County Early College
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