For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 1,584 students in Watauga County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Watauga County, NC are Watauga High School and Watauga Innovation Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Watauga County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 84% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Watauga County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% of North Carolina public high schools.
Watauga County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 91%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Watauga Innovation Academy, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 17% 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 Watauga County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Watauga High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
300 Go Pioneers Drive
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Gr: 9-12 | 1,289 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Watauga Innovation Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 Go Pioneers Drive
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Gr: 9-12 | 292 students Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Watauga County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Watauga County, NC include Watauga High School and Watauga Innovation Academy.
How many public high schools are located in Watauga County?
2 public high schools are located in Watauga County.
What is the racial composition of students in Watauga County?
Watauga County public high schools minority enrollment is 17% 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 Watauga County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Watauga County include: Watauga Innovation Academy vs. Watauga High School, Watauga High School vs. Watauga Innovation Academy
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