For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 2,285 students in Dare County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC are Manteo High School, Bear Grass Charter School and First Flight High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dare County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Dare County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Dare County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is First Flight High School, with 95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 22% 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 Dare County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Manteo High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
829 Wingina Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5841
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5841
Gr: 9-12 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
Bear Grass Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6344 E Bear Grass Rd
Waves, NC 27982
(252) 789-1010
Waves, NC 27982
(252) 789-1010
Gr: 6-12 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
First Flight High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 449-7000
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 449-7000
Gr: 9-12 | 874 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Cape Hatteras Secondary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
48576 Highway 12
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-5730
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-5730
Gr: 6-12 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #55.
Dare Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 480-8888
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 480-8888
Gr: 9-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC include Manteo High School, Bear Grass Charter School and First Flight High School.
How many public high schools are located in Dare County?
5 public high schools are located in Dare County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dare County?
Dare County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% 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 Dare County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Dare County include: First Flight High School vs. Manteo High School, Manteo High School vs. First Flight High School, Cape Hatteras Secondary School vs. Manteo High School
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.