For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,645 students in Valdese, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Valdese, NC are Jimmy C Draughn High School, Heritage Middle School and Valdese Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Valdese, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Valdese have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% 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 Valdese, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jimmy C Draughn High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
709 Lovelady Road Ne
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 879-4200
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 879-4200
Gr: 9-12 | 656 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Heritage Middle School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1951 Enon Road
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0731
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0731
Gr: 6-8 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Valdese Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
298 Praley Street
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0704
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0704
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: n/an/a
Heritage Middle School, 1951 E
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 448-3175
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 448-3175
Gr: K-12 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Valdese, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Valdese, NC include Jimmy C Draughn High School, Heritage Middle School and Valdese Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Valdese?
4 public schools are located in Valdese.
What is the racial composition of students in Valdese?
Valdese public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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