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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Newton Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,708 students in Newton, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 61 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Newton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Newton, NC are Fred T Foard High School, Discovery High School and Jacobs Fork Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Newton, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Newton have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Newton, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fred T Foard High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3407 Plateau Road
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1496
Gr: 9-12 | 930 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Discovery High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
301 West 18th St
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 466-5581
Gr: 9-12 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #33.
Jacobs Fork Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3431 Plateau Road
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1827
Gr: 7-8 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Balls Creek Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2620 Balls Creek Road
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4766
Gr: PK-6 | 686 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Startown Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4119 Startown Road
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-1257
Gr: PK-6 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #66.
Blackburn Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4377 W Nc 10 Hwy
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1344
Gr: K-6 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #77.
Newton-conover High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
338 W 15th Street
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 465-0920
Gr: 9-12 | 724 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #88.
North Newton Elementary School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
221 West 26th St
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-2631
Gr: K-5 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #99.
South Newton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
306 West I Street
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4061
Gr: PK-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 62%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Newton, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Newton, NC include Fred T Foard High School, Discovery High School and Jacobs Fork Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Newton?
9 public schools are located in Newton.
What percentage of students in Newton go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Newton are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Newton?
Newton public schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Newton are often viewed compared to one another?

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