For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 2,493 students in 28601, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in 28601, NC are Saint Stephens High School, Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School and Hickory High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public high schools in zipcode 28601 have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in 28601, NC have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Public high school in zipcode 28601 have a Graduation Rate of 85%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28601, NC Public High Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Saint Stephens High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3205 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Gr: 9-12 | 1,268 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
409 8th Avenue Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Gr: 9-12 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #33.
Hickory High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1234 3rd Street Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Gr: 9-12 | 1,024 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in 28601, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in 28601, NC include Saint Stephens High School, Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School and Hickory High School.
How many public high schools are located in 28601?
3 public high schools are located in 28601.
What is the racial composition of students in 28601?
28601 public high schools minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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