2020 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina

Best for Athletes

747 results

Cardinal Gibbons High School
Private School
Raleigh, NC
9-12
174 reviews
#1 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Alum: Overall, I loved my high school experience! Of course there were things that could have been better because high school is never going to be perfect, but Gibbons came pretty close. All the teachers genuinely care about you and want you to succeed. Also the athletic programs are fantastic with incredible coaches. When I went to college, I felt Gibbons really prepared me for what was to come. I was able to handle the schoolwork more efficiently and felt I understood the material better than most of my classmates. The traditions that Gibbons has are something that help make your high school experience there unique and memorable, something not everyone is able to say!
Read 174 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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Charlotte Catholic High School
Private School
Charlotte, NC
9-12
165 reviews
#2 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: It's a very good school, and there are many opportunities to get help, raise your grade, or even take the ACT for free -well, considering it's a paid school. One of the things I'd say are at a disadvantage are the lack of insistence from some teachers -for someone who forgets things easily, that's one of the things I personally dislike-, and the microwaves usually work, but depending on the day, only one could be working for the day -I assume it's the outlet, and not the microwave itself that need to be fixed.
Read 165 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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Weddington High School
Union County Public Schools, NC
9-12
339 reviews
#3 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Weddington High school provides a wide array of opportunities, academic and otherwise. Weddington has many clubs and sports, ranging from the GSA to literary society to the football team. Teachers at Weddington really care about their students, and make an effort to connect with students and teach in a way that is effective for many learning styles. The students at Weddington are also very kind to one another, and make sure to be inclusive. The facilities are very clean as well, and the Weddington janitorial staff works very hard, and the staff is very friendly. One downside of Weddington is that it doesn't have a very diverse population. The majority of students are white, Christian, and affluent. People at Weddington tend to be respectful of the various minority groups at the school, but the school is very overwhelmingly white.
Read 339 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
24 Total Number of Sports
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Green Hope High School
Wake County Schools, NC
9-12
396 reviews
#4 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: I liked the friendly atmosphere that Green Hope provided. Most underclassmen are usually afraid of upperclassmen at the beginning of high school, but the teachers and staff made mostly everyone, including myself, feel right at home. I never struggled with anything socially, and academics at Green Hope are beyond stellar. We are one of the top academic and athletic schools in North Carolina!
Read 396 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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North Davidson High School
Davidson County Schools, NC
9-12
298 reviews
#5 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: My experience at North Davidson High School has been mostly positive. The teachers and faculty are helpful with whatever issues you may have. The variety of classes you can take is amazing; you'll never feel trapped in your choices. Throughout my high school years, I never felt unsafe while in school. NDHS always has an SRO officer on duty and has ample security systems. The people there are also pretty nice, with the occasional rude person. However, there are of course problems. Firstly, the cafeteria food. It's awful. Most days the food you get is either too cold, not properly prepared, or simply doesn't taste good. Next, the supplies. A lot of classes are understocked and don't have all the necessary equipment they need to teach. For example, my Sociology class had books from over a decade ago. Other than those two problems, NDHS is an all-around fantastic school.
Read 298 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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Wake Forest High School
Wake County Schools, NC
9-12
385 reviews
#6 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: I genuinely enjoyed all 4 years of high school here! They provide the best high school experience when it comes to after school activities and still enjoying going to school, while at the same time providing top notch academics. I felt challenged to the point where I struggled and could advance and grow but not too challenged to where I couldn't handle it and hated it. The diversity is more than I've seen at other schools when it comes to both the students who attend, the teachers, and the programs they provide.
Read 385 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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West Forsyth High School
Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools, NC
9-12
281 reviews
#7 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: I love West Forsyth! This school is amazing because if you need help, the Teachers are more than willing to tutor you. The only thing I would change is allowing more time to get to each class. West allows 5 minutes to each class, but it’s not enough time. Sometimes My classes are on the opposite side of the campus. West campus is spread out (like college) so it takes about 6-7minutes walking to get to each class.
Read 281 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
26 Total Number of Sports
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Middle Creek High School
Wake County Schools, NC
9-12
401 reviews
#8 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Middle Creek High School offered me an amazing high school experience. It was a positive atmosphere with teachers that truly cared about my success. It was an environment where I was pushed to be my best self and do my best. The environment the students proposed was astonishing, my best friends were made and even those who I didn't know offered a helping hand when I needed it. If I could change something about Middle Creek it would be the development of our STEM courses. Our science and math departments are inconsistent and lack the capabilities to promote what the school claims to offer.
Read 401 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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Murphy High School
Cherokee County Schools, NC
9-12
51 reviews
#9 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Alum: Murphy High School, to me, was a mixed bag of emotions. The school itself seemed to be in a rut, as funding has severely limited the progression of many programs over the past decade. The sports culture was quite amazing, and the town has a history of supporting the football team and the consistent success it brings. However, the school has lacked academically compared to the other high schools within the county. Test scores have fallen, and I believe this is a product to some poor hiring decisions along with a touch of nepotism that has plagued the area for quite some time now.
Read 51 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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Mount Airy High School
Mount Airy City Schools, NC
9-12
68 reviews
#10 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Mount Airy High School is a family type environment where teachers and staff members care about the success and well being of all of its students. I have built relationships here with not only my classmates, but faculty and coaches as well that will last a lifetime.
Read 68 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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John T. Hoggard High School
New Hanover County Schools, NC
9-12
239 reviews
#11 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: I moved for the first time and transferred to Hoggard as a rising Junior. Expecting the transition to be rather difficult, I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up liking Hoggard better than my old high school. Overall, I have had challenging classes with outstanding teachers. I was able to find friends pretty quickly as almost everyone is extremely nice!
Read 239 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
22 Total Number of Sports
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Northern Guilford High School
Guilford County Schools, NC
9-12
320 reviews
#12 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: I have been with the Northern Guilford community since middle school. It has prepared me for the high school on an academic and personal level. The community accepted everyone with open arms. Once my journey at the high school began, they wanted nothing but success for me. Every teacher I had wanted me to reach nothing but success. I really felt as if they wanted the best for me and they weren't just doing their job. Also on an athletic aspect, every coach wanted to not only turn me into a better player,but they also tried putting me in the position and giving me the best tools possible to make me a better man. This community has truly been a blessing to me. The only thing I feel like I would change is that some kids were enabled and I feel like they should be challenged a bit more.
At Northern Guilford High School,where I received great teachings, I was able to reach my goals in perusing an academic and athletic opportunity at Wingate University!
Read 320 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
23 Total Number of Sports
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Mallard Creek High School
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
9-12
460 reviews
#13 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Mallard Creek is pretty amazing. There are a ton of activities, clubs, honor societies, and sports to be involved in. The teachers will respect you as long as you respect them and there is a variety of classes to choose from. Awesome sports program, crappy lunch program, average AP classes, fun electives, and really nice facilities. The school will provide you with many friends and new opportunities and experiences as you progress through high school!
Read 460 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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Hillside High School
Durham Public Schools, NC
9-12
222 reviews
#14 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Not to be biased, but it is a well rounded school. Our sports are great (basketball, girls and boys track, and football).The teachers actually care about your future ,and they want you to succeed. We have the best high school theatre program in Durham,NC. There have been many celebrities to come watch our plays also students come to watch with their schools. Many smart African-American students make it big coming out of hillside it is a wonderful feeling being apart of this school. There are so many great clubs and activities to be involved in to make your high school experience fun. Being involved in your school regardless of where you go it’ll make your experience 10x better.
Read 222 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
19 Total Number of Sports
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Rocky Mount High School
Nash-Rocky Mount Schools, NC
9-12
156 reviews
#15 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Alum: For the most part Rocky Mount was fun. From the academics to the sports I had a blast. The teachers care and the coaches are amazing! Especially varsity football head coach Jason Battle. I hope he keeps inspiring the youth and leading them into a good direction. Furthermore, the administration is very good. You can’t tell that they care and are trying to create a better, safer Rocky Mount High School.
Read 156 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
22 Total Number of Sports
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Heritage High School
Wake County Schools, NC
9-12
276 reviews
#16 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Alum: I loved the support I received from fellow classmates, teachers, counselors, and staff at Heritage! The teachers and counselors did so much for us to prepare us for college and life. The students were very welcoming to new students and friendly.
Read 276 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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Eastern Alamance High School
Alamance-Burlington Schools, NC
9-12
178 reviews
#17 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Eastern Alamance High School is a great school where kids can be taught by some of the best teachers in the county and feel safe everyday at school. The school encourages everyone to get involved and be a part of something whether sports or clubs. The technology provided at Eastern Alamance High School certainly helps to prepare students for college. The teachers do a great job of teaching the kids how to manage time well and use time wisely. Overall a great school!
Read 178 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
23 Total Number of Sports
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Southwest Guilford High School
Guilford County Schools, NC
9-12
306 reviews
#18 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: My experience at southwest high school is quite nice! I enjoy my days at school, learning and communicating with others. Something I love about my school are the teachers. The teachers always have a smile on their faces and greet you when you walk by. The teachers are so understanding and kind. You can speak with certain teachers with the comfort of confidentiality. Some of the lovely teachers at southwest are open to connect with their students and build bonds. One thing I'd like to change about my School is the drama. Sure, every high school has drama but that doesn't mean there can't be a change. Change should be brought to the attention of the students. Everyone should come together to meet one another and interact. There should be peace and unity between everyone, its a very important lesson that has to be learned.
Read 306 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
23 Total Number of Sports
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Millbrook High School
Wake County Schools, NC
9-12
406 reviews
#19 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Millbrook Highschool provides many opportunities; what this school offers is nothing close to insignificant. As one of the very few International Baccalaureate schools in the county, Millbrook rises to their set standards. The diversity in both staff and students creates a safe and family-oriented environment, and both clubs and classrooms have blossoming friendships that clearly evolve past highschool. The theatre and arts are very popular with the students and are supported by a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. Shows bring everyone together and teachers bring everyone closer. I honestly, don't know a marching band, arts program, and class schedule that could have made my experience at Millbrook Highschool any better.
Read 406 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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David W. Butler High School
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
9-12
310 reviews
#20 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: Butler high school is not just a school. It’s a community full of caring teachers, administrators, and staff that want to see you succeed and do well in life no matter the path you take. Over the course of the years, I’ve built solid relationships with my teachers of every grade level who I still keep in contact with. Teachers and staff here are so helpful and willing to do everything they can to help you towards a goal. They’re creative and some are hard on you, but that’s only because they care. Mr. Legrand has been a wonderful principal and he wants each and every student here to feel safe and be involved in school activities. Butler high school has been a wonderful experience for me. Go bulldogs!
Read 310 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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Garner High School
Wake County Schools, NC
9-12
413 reviews
#21 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Alum: Personally, I love Garner high! The atmosphere is great and the staff is simply amazing. They are kind and caring. The campus building is so big and there is always plenty to do. There are plenty of students at Garner High so making friends shouldn’t be much of a problem. There are also plenty of clubs and sports to help you fit in and find your hobby and passion. I truly loved attending to Garner High School!
Read 413 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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Terry Sanford High School
Cumberland County Schools, NC
9-12
255 reviews
#22 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: I am a senior at Terry Sanford high school. At this school, the teachers truly care about their students. Whenever I need help, I know that there is a teacher that will be happy to help out. Another thing that I love about Terry Sanford is the school spirit. The students and faculty truly care about the school, and support it at all athletic events. Overall, Terry Sanford is a great school because of its faculty, students, and spirit.
Read 255 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
23 Total Number of Sports
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James B. Dudley High School
Guilford County Schools, NC
9-12
230 reviews
#23 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: The Great James B Dudley High School has provided me with some of the best opportunities as well as memorable times of my life. As a member of the Early College Academy, Marching Band, Softball/Track Team, College Ambassadors Club, SGA, and more... I have had an unlimited amount of resources to ensure that succeed in school, in college and most importantly in the future as an adult in the real world. Everyone from janitors to administrators wants to see every last one of the students succeed. I couldn't be more grateful for the culture and lifestyle granted by my panther family!
Read 230 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
16 Total Number of Sports
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A.C. Reynolds High School
Buncombe County Schools, NC
9-12
175 reviews
#24 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Senior: I am currently a senior at AC Reynolds, and have been there for all four years of high school. Most of the teachers are very invested in student success and prepare you for your finals. The sports teams are great and usually do well every year. There are also many clubs that the school offers with a special shout out to Deca for changing my life. This club gave me direction in life and has helped prepare me for interviews and life after college. The school facilities are also very nice and clean. The band and chorus programs are among some of the best in the state. The administration is very concerned with school safety and I never feel unsafe. However, my only complaint is that there are some rules that are supposedly addressing safety but seem irrelevant. For example, we are not allowed to get together with friends before or after school in the parking lot. Overall it is a decent school.
Read 175 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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Northwest Guilford High School
Guilford County Schools, NC
9-12
262 reviews
#25 Best High Schools for Athletes in North Carolina
Junior: Northwest Guilford High School is home to many brilliant teachers and dedicated staff who make life-long impacts on students. The teachers are passionate about their subjects to teach and help students. It has very competitive academics and many options for those in search of rigorous courses including AP courses and a dual enrollment program. There are many opportunities offered to be involved in the school and in the community through clubs and organizations on campus. It also has multiple amazing music programs including band, orchestra, and chorus, all of which have exemplary ratings. Northwest provides resources for students to use in order to achieve what they set their minds to and encourages students to do the their very best, try new things, and find their passions.
Read 262 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
24 Total Number of Sports
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North Raleigh Christian Academy
Private School
Raleigh, NC
PK, K-12
116 reviews
Parent: I have five children currently attending NRCA and their skills and interests are vast. NRCA has something for each child. I and my children love ALL the activities from drama (best plays and musicals around!) speech and debate, math athletes, Art, robotics and the best VOLLEYBALL program around!
Read 116 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,485 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Durham Academy
Private School
Durham, NC
PK, K-12
80 reviews
Works Here: Durham Academy is an amazing place for students, parents and teachers . The academic load for teachers is very reasonable, the number of students per classroom is very low. This allows for teachers to spend more one on one time with students. The advisories are amazing ! Teachers are able to teach human values and develop students character in a positive environment. There are a lot of opportunities for professional development, including trainings at the Hill Center, scholarships for PhDs and Master’s degrees.
Recommend this place 100 %
Read 80 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,227 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Calvary Day School
Private School
Winston-Salem, NC
PK, K-12
99 reviews
Parent: Calvary Day School was a wonderful school for all three of my children. The academics prepared them well for their next steps and for college. My son received a significant academic scholarship from Baylor University where he has thrived. The Christian atmosphere of love, respect and an expectation of excellence supported our parenting approach during their teenage years. I believe we had more peace in our home from them being in a school full of light during their Middle School years. Calvary Day School played an integral part in the success of our children during their teenage years. This foundation is currently serving them well in college as they make good choices to live a life of significance. I highly recommend Calvary Day School!
Read 99 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
721 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 30

Cardinal Gibbons High School

Charlotte Catholic High School

Weddington High School

Green Hope High School

North Davidson High School

Wake Forest High School

West Forsyth High School

Middle Creek High School

Murphy High School

Mount Airy High School

John T. Hoggard High School

Northern Guilford High School

Mallard Creek High School

Hillside High School

Rocky Mount High School

Heritage High School

Eastern Alamance High School

Southwest Guilford High School

Millbrook High School

David W. Butler High School

Garner High School

Terry Sanford High School

James B. Dudley High School

A.C. Reynolds High School

Northwest Guilford High School

North Raleigh Christian Academy

Durham Academy

Calvary Day School