For the 2025-26 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 8,932 students in Shelby, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 64 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Shelby, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Shelby, NC are Cleveland Echs, Pinnacle Classical Academy and Crest High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Shelby have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Shelby, NC (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cleveland Echs
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1800 E. Marion Street
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8232
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8232
Gr: 9-13 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Pinnacle Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2401 Joes Lake Rd
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 740-4040
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 740-4040
Gr: K-12 | 1,165 student Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Crest High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
800 Old Boiling Springs
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8331
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8331
Gr: 9-12 | 1,101 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #44.
North Shelby
Special Education School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1701 Charles Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8230
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8230
Gr: PK-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #55.
Boiling Springs Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1522 Patrick Avenue
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8361
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8361
Gr: PK-5 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
Springmore Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
616 Mcbrayer Homestead Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8235
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8235
Gr: PK-5 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #77.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1166 Wyke Road
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8390
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8390
Gr: PK-5 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #88.
Shelby High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
230 E Dixon Boulevard
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8325
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8325
Gr: 9-12 | 790 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #99.
James Love Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
309 James Love Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8385
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8385
Gr: PK-5 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1010.
Union Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1440 Union Church Road
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8250
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8250
Gr: PK-5 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1111.
Crest Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
315 Beaverdam Church Rd
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8221
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8221
Gr: 6-8 | 833 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1212.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1907 Stony Point Road
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8260
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8260
Gr: PK-5 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1313.
Township Three Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
526 Davis Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8245
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8245
Gr: PK-5 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #1414.
Cleveland Innovation
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 W Marion St
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8000
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8000
Gr: K-12 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1515.
Shelby Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1480 South Dekalb Street
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8328
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8328
Gr: 6-8 | 591 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1616.
Elizabeth Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
220 S Post Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8371
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8371
Gr: PK-5 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #1717.
Turning Point Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
409 West Sumter Street
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8399
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8399
Gr: 6-12 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Shelby, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1100 Blanton Street
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8386
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8386
Gr: PK-4 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
410 Forest Hill Drive
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8381
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8381
Gr: PK-4 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Shelby, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Shelby, NC include Cleveland Echs, Pinnacle Classical Academy and Crest High School.
How many public schools are located in Shelby?
17 public schools are located in Shelby.
What percentage of students in Shelby go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Shelby are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby?
Shelby public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Shelby are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Shelby include: Springmore Elementary School vs. Boiling Springs Elementary School, Boiling Springs Elementary School vs. Springmore Elementary School, Cleveland Echs vs. Pinnacle Classical Academy
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
