East Mecklenburg High School is a public secondary school in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, and one of 21 high schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system. The principal of the school is Steven "Steve" Drye. East Mecklenburg High School is partial magnet school in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Serving 2,422 students in grades 9-12, East Mecklenburg High School ranks in the top 20% 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 74% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,422 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 74% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 51% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
East Mecklenburg High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
East Mecklenburg High School's student population of 2,422 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 131 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,422 students
Total Classroom Teachers
131 teachers
Year Founded
1950
Colors
Blue, Yellow
School Motto
Excellence Without Exception
School Rankings
East Mecklenburg High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of East Mecklenburg High School is 0.70, 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
#302 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)74%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
5%
Hispanic
41%
22%
Black
31%
24%
White
20%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)77%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: East Mecklenburg Eagle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East Mecklenburg High School's ranking?
East Mecklenburg High School is ranked #302 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are East Mecklenburg High School often compared to?
East Mecklenburg High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Charlotte Secondary, Myers Park High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of East Mecklenburg High School?
The graduation rate of East Mecklenburg High School is 77%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend East Mecklenburg High School?
2,422 students attend East Mecklenburg High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of East Mecklenburg High School students are Hispanic, 31% of students are Black, 20% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of East Mecklenburg High School?
East Mecklenburg High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does East Mecklenburg High School offer ?
East Mecklenburg High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is East Mecklenburg High School part of?
East Mecklenburg High School is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
In what neighborhood is East Mecklenburg High School located?
East Mecklenburg High School is located in the East Forest neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 2 other public schools located in East Forest.
School Reviews
Review East Mecklenburg High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
