For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 2,285 students in Dare County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC are Manteo High School, Bear Grass Charter School and First Flight High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dare County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Dare County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Dare County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is First Flight High School, with 95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 22% 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 Dare County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Manteo High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
829 Wingina Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5841
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5841
Gr: 9-12 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
Bear Grass Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6344 E Bear Grass Rd
Waves, NC 27982
(252) 789-1010
Waves, NC 27982
(252) 789-1010
Gr: 6-12 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
First Flight High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 449-7000
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 449-7000
Gr: 9-12 | 874 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Cape Hatteras Secondary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
48576 Highway 12
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-5730
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-5730
Gr: 6-12 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #55.
Dare Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 480-8888
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 480-8888
Gr: 9-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC include Manteo High School, Bear Grass Charter School and First Flight High School.
How many public high schools are located in Dare County?
5 public high schools are located in Dare County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dare County?
Dare County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% 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 Dare County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Dare County include: First Flight High School vs. Manteo High School, Manteo High School vs. First Flight High School, Cape Hatteras Secondary School vs. Manteo High School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.