For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,809 students in 28697, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 111 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 28697, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28697, NC are Wilkes Early College High School, Wilkes Central High School and Wilkesboro Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28697 have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28697, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28697, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wilkes Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1328 S Collegiate Dr
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-6247
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-6247
Gr: 9-13 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Wilkes Central High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1179 Moravian Falls Rd
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-5277
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-5277
Gr: 9-12 | 719 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
Wilkesboro Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1248 School St
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-4261
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-4261
Gr: PK-5 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
West Wilkes Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1677 North Nc Hwy 16
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 651-4381
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 651-4381
Gr: 6-8 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28697, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28697, NC include Wilkes Early College High School, Wilkes Central High School and Wilkesboro Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28697?
4 public schools are located in 28697.
What percentage of students in 28697 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 28697 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28697?
28697 public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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