2022 Best high schools for athletes in North Carolina

• Raleigh, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  224 reviews

Junior: Gibbons Students live at Gibbons. That doesn't mean that we eat and sleep on campus, although some have tried; it means that this school is where we feel at home. I never get to school after 7:30 am and usually don't leave until 4:30 or 5. That is how welcoming and engaging Cardinal Gibbons is. Between the educators, students, families, athletics, clubs, campus/facilities, and the community at CGHS I would rather be nowhere else. Even though we are a Diocesan Catholic School, the Catholic Faith is not forced upon student. Plenty of student come from other faiths and no one is forced to conform to a certain culture; however, there are still innumerable ways to live out your faith on campus via Mass, service, or the wonderful school Chaplain affectionately known as "Father." Academics are outstanding, Educators truly value and love their students, Athletics are top notch (go Crusaders!) and the community is one of a kind. I love it here!... Read 224 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports —

• Charlotte, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  197 reviews

Alum: As a recent alumna, I have been able to reflect on the value that Catholic has offered. Sure, we may not have an auditorium (yet,) or our own track- but Catholic has taught me numerous valuable lessons. It has given me a great work ethic and a competitive streak that has translated into my college work. It also has offered me a sense of community. With recent events that have been taken place (the firing of beloved teachers,) I saw posts all over Instagram. These posts were from as far back as 2016 grads!... Read 197 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports —

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  387 reviews

Senior: From my experience as a student at Weddington High school, the staff and faculty make it their personal duty to make sure each and every student can succeed. From holding early morning tutoring sessions and rearranging lesson plans to focus on a more challenging topic for a longer amount of time, to going out of their way to get to know each student on a personal level, the teachers at Weddington make it heavily apparent that they truly care for their students. Over the course of the 4 years I have spent here, I have accumulated multiple strong bonds with my teachers that have made my High School experience very unique. The quality of education at Weddington is also something that I have found to be very profound. But with that being said, the school’s high standards for students does create levels of stress and academic competition that is higher than the average High school.... Read 387 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Wake County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  479 reviews

Junior: Green Hope High School offers a variety of classes, at the honors, academic, and AP level. There are also many clubs available. At Green Hope, there are also many opportunities for free tutoring during lunch, and students also have opportunities during lunch to meet with their teachers. However, the communication between the school and families is abysmal. The weekly newsletter send to parents is usually very unhelpful. For example, when it was time for the Pre-ACTs, the newsletter only told parents a week in advance! There is also little to no information about what the clubs actually do, and to find information, students must either email the club president directly or attend every single interest meeting! It is very inconvenient, and can discourage students from joining clubs. Overall however, Green Hope High School is a very good school, especially when compared to other schools in the county.... Read 479 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  438 reviews

Senior: I had and still am having an amazing experience at Marvin Ridge High School. My fellow peers, teachers, and staff at Marvin have been accepting of all people that attend Marvin Ridge High school. I would know because I am Greek Orthodox at a school with majority of the students being Catholic or atheist and I feel at home. Marvin has allowed me to discover and have so many amazing opportunity's which is why my experience was overall great!... Read 438 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Wake County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  458 reviews

Senior: Wonderful teachers and staff, great energy and support, and an amazing Arts department. There are a lot of ways to get involved in the school and in the community. Teachers are always encouraging us and helping us, even with things that aren’t required of them. There is a seating area outside the cafeteria which is great, and the whole school is filled with art. We have murals and an art display. The media center constantly decorates their big windows. Teachers and staff are always in the hallways in between classes, ready to assist with anything. Important information is communicated quickly and efficiently. We have access to a number of resources for many different things such as job searches, college searches, scholarship opportunities, clubs, events, contests, etc. Most students are respectful and accepting to others who are different from themselves. They encourage each other to be successful and get good grades. The school has an amazing environment for growth and learning.... Read 458 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Wake County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  449 reviews

Senior: Middle Creek has the best teachers I've ever interacted with who are committed to not just teaching students the required material, but making genuine connections and creating a supportive environment to learn and have valuable experiences. Class offerings can feel limited at times, but there are certainly enough classes for students to create a schedule that they will enjoy and will inspire success. Athletic support is a bit unbalanced, but there is still a fun environment of school spirit that everyone has the opportunity to participate in. I often wish the school had more fun, extra-curricular events, but those that we do have are exciting and enjoyable.... Read 449 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  205 reviews

Senior: Overall high school was a decent experience, even though the mean girls and the stereotypical athletes were real the teachers actually care about their students. They spend a majority of their time doing things to aid us and help us to succeed in life! The only thing that I would change is certain school regulations dominate the school and sometimes it feels like administration does not actually care about the well being of their students but the appearance of the school.... Read 205 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 21

• Gaston County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  168 reviews

Senior: I truly do not believe there is any school quite like South Point High School, it is unique and has an amazing community. Although, it is not necessarily provided sufficeient needs to certain areas within the school (such as materials, facility needs, school traffic control, other clubs/organization support). The teachers I have encountered at South Point are truly good teachers and have an original twist on the materials, however, depending on your personality and theirs you may feel stuck or miserable at times, but it's not because they are a "bad teacher", but due to the fact that the way they teacher isn't how you learn. I do wish that teachers were given the materials they need to teach and were provided with more support when it comes to South Point, it would make their life and the students life easier. (Also, South Point has an amazing marching band, but could maybe use some more support as well) Thank you!... Read 168 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 20

• Mount Airy City Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  74 reviews

Senior: Mount Airy High School offered me the opportunity to play football. That was my dream come true! Not only that but the school offered help to seniors for applying to college and life after high school. Having experienced counselors helped with the ACT, SAT and application requirements.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 20

• Wake County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  531 reviews

Alum: I really liked Leesville because there were many opportunities to challenge myself both academically and creatively. Leesville has a great AP program, offering a large amount of college level classes compared to other high schools in the state. I was able to choose which classes I wanted to take at the college level based on my skills and interests, and there were honors options for most of the other classes so that I was able to push myself in all areas. I was a part of the symphonic band, which is one of the best high school music programs in the state, so that was an amazing experience and opportunity to be able to compete state-wide and nationally. Leesville is also great about welcoming new and transfer students. I was a liaison and really enjoyed being able to help younger students. If there was one thing I would change about Leesville, it would be the administration. It is very difficult to communicate needs to the head office and get an understanding and helpful response.... Read 531 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Union County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  388 reviews

Senior: Cuthbertson High School is one of the best high schools in North Carolina! This school offers many opportunities for college readiness through rigorous curriculums, activities, clubs, and a variety of AP classes and dual-enrollment classes. Cuthbertson is a wonderful high school experience with the kindest students and staff.... Read 388 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Denver, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  203 reviews

Junior: Lincoln charter school is one of the best schools I've ever been to. They care so much about their students, and them succeeding. The school is on the smaller side, which helps the school cater to students more then if it were a large campus. Compared to other highschools it is also very clean!... Read 203 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 21

• Guilford County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  304 reviews

Freshman: Page high school honestly has a bad wrap. I wouldn't say the school is really all that bad maybe it's the people or that i'm just an optimistic person but the school has something unique. Through the pandemic things (especially school) got hard. I really do think page is a school of good administration and teachers that have your best Interest at at heart. I had some crappy stuff happen to me (which is inevitable anywhere you go) and thankfully page had a good support team through what i had going on. On the other hand there's a lot of things that could make it better like better food, cleanser bathrooms, better communication about sports/activities. Over all It's not the fanciest place we're the walls are all the same color and all the sinks work but the community makes up for it. Not to mention how much school spirit there is especially against the Grimsley Wirlies (our school rival). Dream big.... Read 304 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 24

• Guilford County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  356 reviews

Junior: Northern Guilford High School has great resources available to the students, including CTE career paths in nursing, engineering, architecture, and computer programming. There is also access to classes outside of the high school available to the students for free, such as taking classes through Guilford Technical Community College and Weaver High School. The teachers and administrative staff at Northern are very adaptive to students and their different situations to make learning easier for the students. For example, there are testing days for certain subjects, like math and English classes can only test on Tuesdays and Fridays. Sports at Northern are excellent as are the many clubs. However, many teachers and the classes they teach give out too much homework that is feasible for students to do in one night. School also ends late, at around 4:30, which makes it hard for students who have sports or jobs to get to them in time. The student body isn't very diverse and the food is okay.... Read 356 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 23

• Guilford County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  381 reviews

Senior: Great school with awesome encouraging teachers and staff! I participated in volleyball and track and loved both coaches. The school does lack diversity but the school spirit is excellent. Rare to ever see fights and lunch ladies are good at cooking.... Read 381 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Total number of sports 23

• Onslow County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  315 reviews

Junior: I would like to see the freshman who are causing mischief in the school to receive harsher punishment instead of punishing the whole school who doesn't have anything to do with the people causing mischief, it's already bad enough that we're in a pandemic but now we get punished for something that most of the students aren't just a select few. I'm referring to our power hour being taken away this year because mostly select freshmen are getting into fights.... Read 315 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Total number of sports 22

• Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  259 reviews

Senior: I’ve had a great overall experience at Mount Tabor. Great memories have been created over 4 years such as cheerleading, clubs and activities and even learning in the classroom. I have been offered amazing opportunities that I’m not certain I would have if it wasn’t for my amazing guidance counselor that always guides me in the direction specific to my needs and wants. I feel like safety is taken seriously at Mount Gabor as well. Outside doors are immediately locked after school had began, and visitors are required to check in at the office. They then must wear a visitors badge at all times around the school. Our resource officers does a great job of monitoring the school and ensuring everyone’s safety. I appreciate what Mount Tabor has to offer to all students and I have loved every moment of my high school experience.... Read 259 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 14

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  452 reviews

Senior: MPHS has a distinct lack of diversity, especially within upper-level classes. However, the variety of higher-level classes which they offer is unique. The majority of teachers are highly educated and passionate about their job. The administration has had some controversies in the past and is not effective per se, but is attempting to implement various beneficial reforms. The school counselors are not helpful and disorganized, most high achieving students outsource for their college counseling needs.... Read 452 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 11

• Nash County Public Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  165 reviews

Junior: As a junior at Rocky Mount High School, I have enjoyed the past three years there. As my junior year comes to a close and it's time to start applying for scholarships and looking at colleges, my teachers are very helpful and encouraging in this area. My chemistry teacher has offered not just me but my fellow classmates help with our upcoming Internal Assessment paper and labs, seeing as I'm in IB, and has spoken to us about the importance of colleges and scholarships. My experience at Rocky Mount High School has been one of the best school experiences I have ever had.... Read 165 reviews

• grade C

• grade A

• Total number of sports 21

• Caldwell County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  136 reviews

Senior: I was a student at Hibriten for four years. I had a great experience and will deffinatly miss my time there although I am ready to go to college. I participated in chorus and cheer all four years as well and loved every minute of it, I highly encourage getting involved in high school. I also was apart of many clubs while there including beta, trip-m, theatre, key club, and animal science club. When we are able to meet with clubs, its great because there are so many different clubs, one for everyone!... Read 136 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Total number of sports 11

• Onslow County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  262 reviews

Senior: I have basically grown up with this high school. JHS staff is very friendly and helpful, and teachers try to have a personal relationship with students. The International Baccalaureate program gives students the opportunity to become internationally competitive. Students also have the opportunity to take Career and Technical Education classes where they can become better prepared for their future career. Students can also take creative and performing arts classes that allow them to express themselves while receiving class credits. Multiple JHS sports have made it to states this past year and hopefully they will be able to go all the way this year! My biggest wish is for the facilities to be updated. Some of the buildings have been there since the school was built and haven’t been updated since. Other than that, Jacksonville High School is a wonderful school that prepares students for their future.... Read 262 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Total number of sports 22

• Asheville City Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  176 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience at Asheville High! I made many friends and great teacher connections over my four years. Improvements concerning student and teacher communication must be worked on and parent-administrator communication should also improve. The diversity in AP classes must increase which would hopefully decrease the achievement gap.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 22

• Davidson County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  330 reviews

Senior: North Davidson High School is full of wonderful teachers. Almost all teachers care about the well being of their students inside and outside the classroom. They support you at your athletic events and are there for you every step of the way. However, I would like to see more focus on academic by trying to have more AP classes to enroll in. The more challenged our students are the more prepared they are for college. I believe a big part of North Davidson character is unity and support, from your classmates and teachers, wether it is at athletic event or big test.... Read 330 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Total number of sports 9

• Wake County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  458 reviews

Senior: Garner High School's staff and students make me feel at home. The diversity and the people here are heartwarming and very open minded. I've made really good friends here and teachers who understand my circumstances. In the beginning of the school year, I've struggled tremendously and I was scared to talk about it with people at my school, or even the staff. During the time, my parents were going through a financial crisis where we didn't have any light or transportation. I ended up writing it in my personal statement essay, and when they read that, it hurt them. They were genuine and very kind. I couldn't ask for anything more heartwarming. It was so nice. I even ran track and field, and I'm glad I made new friends, and got to hang around them. I am forever grateful for the environment I surrounded myself with and the new beginnings! I will cherish this forever.... Read 458 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Total number of sports 25