For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public high schools serving 7,326 students in Cleveland County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Cleveland County, NC are Cleveland Echs, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Pinnacle Classical Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cleveland County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Cleveland County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public high schools.
Cleveland County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Thomas Jefferson Classical 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 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Cleveland County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cleveland Echs
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1800 E. Marion Street
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8232
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8232
Gr: 9-13 | 225 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2527 Us 221a Hwy
Mooresboro, NC 28114
(828) 657-9998
Mooresboro, NC 28114
(828) 657-9998
Gr: K-12 | 1,330 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Pinnacle Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2401 Joes Lake Rd
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 740-4040
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 740-4040
Gr: K-12 | 1,178 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Crest High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
800 Old Boiling Springs Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8331
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8331
Gr: 9-12 | 1,098 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
Kings Mountain High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Phifer Road
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
(704) 476-8330
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
(704) 476-8330
Gr: 9-12 | 1,305 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #66.
North Shelby
Special Education School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1701 Charles Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8230
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8230
Gr: PK-12 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #77.
Burns High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
307 E Stagecoach Trail
Lawndale, NC 28090
(704) 476-8335
Lawndale, NC 28090
(704) 476-8335
Gr: 9-12 | 928 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #88.
Shelby High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
230 E Dixon Boulevard
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8325
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8325
Gr: 9-12 | 792 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #99.
Cleveland Innovation
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 W Marion St
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8163
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8163
Gr: K-12 | 187 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #1010.
Turning Point Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
409 West Sumter Street
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8399
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8399
Gr: 6-12 | 142 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Cleveland County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Cleveland County, NC include Cleveland Echs, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Pinnacle Classical Academy.
How many public high schools are located in Cleveland County?
10 public high schools are located in Cleveland County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cleveland County?
Cleveland County public high schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Cleveland County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Cleveland County include: Crest High School vs. Burns High School, Burns High School vs. Crest High School, Cleveland Echs vs. Pinnacle Classical Academy
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