For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 5,414 students in Cornelius, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 265 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Cornelius, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC are William Amos Hough High School, Bailey Middle School and J.v. Washam Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cornelius, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Cornelius have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cornelius, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
William Amos Hough High School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12420 Bailey Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 344-0514
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 344-0514
Gr: 9-12 | 2,518 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Bailey Middle School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11900 Bailey Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Gr: 6-8 | 1,315 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
J.v. Washam Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9611 Westmoreland Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Gr: K-5 | 818 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
Cornelius Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21126 Catawba Ave
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Gr: K-5 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Lakeside Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
17609 Old Statesville Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Gr: K-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC include William Amos Hough High School, Bailey Middle School and J.v. Washam Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cornelius?
5 public schools are located in Cornelius.
What percentage of students in Cornelius go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Cornelius are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cornelius?
Cornelius public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cornelius are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cornelius include: Cornelius Elementary School vs. J.v. Washam Elementary School, J.v. Washam Elementary School vs. Cornelius Elementary School, Lakeside Charter Academy vs. J.v. Washam Elementary School
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