St. Stephens High School is a high school located in Hickory, North Carolina, United States. It is in Catawba County, and is part of the Catawba County Schools district.
Serving 1,268 students in grades 9-12, Saint Stephens High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,268 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 54% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Saint Stephens High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Saint Stephens High School's student population of 1,268 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,268 students
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Year Founded
1934
Colors
Blue and Gold
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Saint Stephens 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 Saint Stephens High School is 0.68, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#562 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)75-79%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
15:1
Asian
5%
5%
Hispanic
35%
22%
Black
9%
24%
White
44%
42%
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)81%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saint Stephens High School's ranking?
Saint Stephens High School is ranked #562 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Saint Stephens High School often compared to?
Saint Stephens High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hickory High School, Newton-conover High School, Fred T Foard High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Saint Stephens High School?
The graduation rate of Saint Stephens High School is 81%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Saint Stephens High School?
1,268 students attend Saint Stephens High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Saint Stephens High School students are White, 35% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Saint Stephens High School?
Saint Stephens High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Saint Stephens High School offer ?
Saint Stephens High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Saint Stephens High School part of?
Saint Stephens High School is part of Catawba County Schools.
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