For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 6,592 students in 28601, NC (there are 9 private schools, serving 1,457 private students). 82% of all K-12 students in 28601, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28601, NC are Oakwood Elementary School, W M Jenkins Elementary School and Saint Stephens High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28601 have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28601, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28601, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Oakwood Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
366 4th Street Nw
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-1340
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-1340
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
W M Jenkins Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3750 N Center Street
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-3491
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-3491
Gr: K-5 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #33.
Saint Stephens High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3205 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Gr: 9-12 | 1,268 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #44.
Clyde Campbell Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2121 35th Avenue Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2769
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2769
Gr: PK-6 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
Snow Creek Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3238 Snow Creek Rd
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2335
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2335
Gr: PK-6 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #66.
Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
409 8th Avenue Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Gr: 9-12 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #77.
Hickory High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1234 3rd Street Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Gr: 9-12 | 1,024 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #88.
Northview Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
302 28th Avenue Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-6300
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-6300
Gr: 6-8 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #99.
Harry M Arndt Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3350 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9545
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9545
Gr: 7-8 | 601 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #1010.
Ray Childers Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1183 Cape Hickory Road
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-1340
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-1340
Gr: PK-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #1111.
Webb A Murray Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3901 Section House Road
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2196
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2196
Gr: PK-6 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #1212.
Viewmont Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
21 16th Avenue Nw
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-7049
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-7049
Gr: PK-5 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28601, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28601, NC include Oakwood Elementary School, W M Jenkins Elementary School and Saint Stephens High School.
How many public schools are located in 28601?
12 public schools are located in 28601.
What percentage of students in 28601 go to public school?
82% of all K-12 students in 28601 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28601?
28601 public schools minority enrollment is 55% 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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