For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 3,177 students in Hillsborough, NC. The top-ranked public high schools in Hillsborough, NC are Eno River Academy, Cedar Ridge High School and Orange High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hillsborough, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Hillsborough have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public high schools.
Hillsborough, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Eno River 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 44% 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 Hillsborough, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Eno River Academy
Charter School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1212 Nc Highway 57 North
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Gr: K-12 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Cedar Ridge High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1125 New Grady Brown Sch Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4000
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,148 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Orange High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Orange High Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6133
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6133
Gr: 9-12 | 1,161 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
Partnership Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
920 Corporate Drive
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4030
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4030
Gr: 9-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Hillsborough, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Hillsborough, NC include Eno River Academy, Cedar Ridge High School and Orange High School. Hillsborough has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in North Carolina.
How many public high schools are located in Hillsborough?
4 public high schools are located in Hillsborough.
What is the racial composition of students in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough public high schools minority enrollment is 44% 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 Hillsborough are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Hillsborough include: Orange High School vs. Cedar Ridge High School, Cedar Ridge High School vs. Orange High School, Partnership Academy vs. Orange 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.
