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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Caldwell County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 3,554 students in Caldwell County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Caldwell County, NC are Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and Hibriten High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Caldwell County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Caldwell County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Caldwell County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 83%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Caldwell Early College, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 28% 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 Caldwell County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Caldwell Early College
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2859 Hickory Blvd Sw
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4636
Gr: 9-13 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
2857 Hickory Boulevard
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4640
Gr: 9-12 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Hibriten High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1350 Panther Trail Se
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-7376
Gr: 9-12 | 818 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #44.
South Caldwell High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
7035 Spartan Drive
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 396-2188
Gr: 9-12 | 1,272 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
West Caldwell High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
300 W Caldwell Drive
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-5583
Gr: 9-12 | 634 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #66.
Gateway School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1889 Dudley Shoals Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
(828) 396-8373
Gr: 6-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
Caldwell Online Academy
332 Greenhaven Dr Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Gr: 4-12 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 69:1 Minority enrollment: 21%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Caldwell County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Caldwell County, NC include Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and Hibriten High School.
How many public high schools are located in Caldwell County?
7 public high schools are located in Caldwell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Caldwell County?
Caldwell County public high schools minority enrollment is 28% 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 Caldwell County are often viewed compared to one another?

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