Orange High School

500 Orange High Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 1,161 students in grades 9-12, Orange High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,161 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 49%
  • : 88% (Top 50% in NC)
  • : Top 30%
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • : 58% (Top 30%)
  • : 50% (Btm 50%)
  • : Orange High serves the northern part of Hillsborough, NC, covering an area of approximately 200.2 square miles. Most students live within a 10-15 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 5.6 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 13.7 miles to the furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Orange High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Orange High School's student population of 1,161 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 59 teachers has declined by 29% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,161 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
59 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1963
School Calendar

School Rankings

Orange High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Orange High School is 0.65, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NC)
#525 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

(21-22)
70-74%
51%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

58%
50%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

50%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
1%
5%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
25%
22%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Black
17%
24%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
51%
42%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
6%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
49%
0.65

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

88%
86.5%

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
31.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
72%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

School Mascot
Panther
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange High School's ranking?
Orange High School is ranked #525 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Orange High School often compared to?
Orange High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cedar Ridge High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Orange High School?
The graduation rate of Orange High School is 88%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Orange High School?
1,161 students attend Orange High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Orange High School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Orange High School?
Orange High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Orange High School offer ?
Orange High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Orange High School part of?
Orange High School is part of Orange County Schools.

School Reviews

1   10/10/2025
This school has ruined my high school experience. Teachers are rude, many unqualified, they are homophobic towards me, some are racist towards POC's and the counselors do absolutely nothing. I despised this school from the start and I am so thankful that I am graduating this year.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Student
1   10/10/2025
This was really not the best school at all. There are homophobic and racist staff members. While me and my friends we being bullied, WE got yelled at for it. The staff seems to not care about the students and it has made my years a living hell. We tried to do go things, but if you don't removed up to them, it won't be good.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - H. L.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,161 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 49%
  • : 88% (Top 50%)
  • : Top 30%
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • : 58% (Top 30%)
  • : 50% (Btm 50%)
  • : Orange High serves the northern part of Hillsborough, NC, covering an area of approximately 200.2 square miles. Most students live within a 10-15 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 5.6 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 13.7 miles to the furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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