2023 Best High Schools in Catawba County

• Hickory, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  22 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love it here! The teachers and staff, as well as the students, provide such a fantastic environment for learning. They are always there to help you and they are very understanding about the fact that life goes on outside of school. The teachers do an excellent job of preparing lower classmen for eventual duel-enrollment courses and then moving on to college.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• Students 164

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Newton Conover City Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: My first year of school was probably my favorite year at Discovery. We had a lot of freedoms such as an hour lunch, sitting outside, freedom on devices, and free roam of the school(to an extent). When the pandemic started we lost a good few freedoms such as the hour lunch because they needed to split up the lunch time in half so that there wouldn't be a lot of students at one time in any classroom or cafeteria. Now that the pandemic has become ver mild I believed that those things implicated would go back to normal but they have not and I would love to have those back. Other than that we have some very wonderful teachers that really strive to teach the students to the best of their ability and you can tell they care about the students a lot. Discovery has lots of things that help the school to feel like a family and I think it does feel like a family. You do lots of things in the community with the school and I love that I can make a difference in my community with may school.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 211

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Catawba County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  159 reviews

Senior: Challenger High School is one of the most rewarding educational experiences I've ever had. Though the battle for a position was fierce, once accepted, I felt like I was a member of a close-knit family. The lecturers were enthusiastic about assisting each student in achieving their goals, and I had the impression that they actually cared about my future. I recently graduated from Challenger, and attending this school was the best decision I could have made. During my four years there, I developed lifelong friends and earned an excellent education that included my high school graduation and an associate's degree in science.... Read 159 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Hickory, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  26 reviews

Parent: Our experience with Hickory Christian was very good. Most of the teachers are friendly and kind, and my children quickly made friends. Sadly, Covid came along and we had online class. It was odd, but HCA was very helpful through it all. The only complaint is probably that a specific teacher, was not teaching at all. I am a nurse, on the front lines, so this was hard. Our children have a hard time learning without structure, so I had to let the do their classwork later than usual so that they could get it checked. This teacher also insulted my child, so that was salt i the wound. Overall my experience was good, excluding online class. At the school my children soared! They had very active social lives, participated in events to better the community, and their grades were top, I recommend this school for anyone who is a person of faith. They teach your kids the bible in everyday life, without being abrasive. If you want a Christian school with nice teachers and kids, head to HCA!... Read 26 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 477

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Catawba County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  163 reviews

Senior: Overall the school has an invited atmosphere and community of teachers. I never felt like I was put in any harmful or uncomfortable situations at this school, either by teachers or other students. The only downside is the outdated building that has some issues such as leaky ceilings and a one-time sewer fume leak incident!... Read 163 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,165

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hickory, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 2.95 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: My child has excelled being at this school. The teachers and staff are all kind and caring and truly have the students best interest at heart. The building is secure with cameras and all doors being locked. Academically, my child is way ahead of public school and also receives the truth of God’s Word as well. I highly recommend this school!... Read 20 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 118

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Catawba County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  197 reviews

Senior: I loved Bandys! I transferred there my sophomore year, and the COVID hit. I thoroughly enjoyed the agricultural activities and classes offered there and the Ag. Dept. was phenomenal and made learning fun. The teachers care about your education and future and do their best to support you in every way. Bandys made sure the transition from in-person, to full virtual, to hybrid, was easy and natural as possible. Even though I did not have the opportunity to embrace the full aspects of high school there, they made me feel like family and made sure I had all the tools to be successful. Go Trojans!... Read 197 reviews

• grade B

• Students 797

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hickory City Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  150 reviews

Senior: Hickory High School is a good school to connect to teachers and other peers. The teachers are understanding and communicate very well with students, they are big advocates for a students health and manage time very well. The staff take action seriously and quickly if there is conflict. Overall, personally, I hope more students apply to Hickory High.... Read 150 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,012

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Catawba County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  214 reviews

Senior: My experience in high school was one that has changed my life for the better. Maiden high school has lots of educational opportunities for people to choose from which I enjoyed. Students as well as their minds gradually continue to grow both in teaching and learning with free time that was given for that purpose. If I had to choose to see something new or changed in the school, it would most likely be how much homework teachers assign to working students. I often see working students turn in their homework late and are often stressed out by how much teachers assign work for each class. I would like for teachers to understand their situation and ask if they need more time because working after school is quite hard and stressful.... Read 214 reviews

• grade B

• Students 835

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Catawba County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  211 reviews

Senior: It's a school that has massive diversity between education levels. I am an honors student. From my perspective, Fred T. Foard High is a good school with mostly competent educators. But, like any school, there are its downsides. For a student who wishes to pursue a field of computer science, you shall not get far. There are classes at FTFHS that you can take, but they are not very in depth. However, for a student who wishes to pursue a career in science, there are good educators. Botany, biology, chemisty, physics, and animal science all have competent educators with years of experience. This is true with small engine, machining, welding, and masonry classes.... Read 211 reviews

• grade B

• Students 877

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Newton Conover City Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  120 reviews

Sophomore: Currently, I'm a sophomore attending my first year here at NCHS. I used to move constantly and I've never been to a school like this one. The opportunities I have been given to improve myself academically are astonishing. For instance, my upcoming junior year I have signed myself up to participate in the CVCC (Catawba County Community College) courses. I'll be able to switch out electives for college course to count as credits that'll better my future. Words cannot describe how ecstatic I am to start my future ready and prepared.... Read 120 reviews

• grade B

• Students 709

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Conover, NC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: I have gone to Christian Family Academy for 5 years. I have been very grateful for the teachers there and the support they have provided. They have allowed me to grow spiritually and mentally. I was a tough student to have at first, but over the last 5 years I have tremendously changed. They never gave up on me and allowed me to continue to further my education despite my reputation. Now I an graduating with a high GPA and lots of friends/teachers who have stuck by me for 5 years. I am so thankful for CFA.... Read 1 review

• grade B minus

• Students 98

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Hickory City Schools, NC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: My experience at Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School is that it has been a fairly enjoyable experience, and I've been subjected and introduced to many great opportunities and people both teacher and student wise. Due to this school providing the opportunity to take college level classes with its academy programs, I've been able to look into specific careers that peak my interest and learn first hand what those careers entail. I was intrigued by their graphic design and photography academy which is what essentially led to my application to the school, and I'm currently enrolled into two photography classes this semester that will give me college credit. These classes have really prepared me for college life and allow me to know what to expect. I've also had amazing teachers that are invested in my future and have done as much possible to ensure I am successful. The friends I've made here will last a lifetime as well and I wouldn't have asked for a better high school experience.... Read 25 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 206

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Catawba County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  146 reviews

Senior: As a current senior, soon to be graduate, BHHS was an excellent example of a place to grow. With varying choices from College Prep, Advanced Placement, and Career & College Promise courses a lot of flexibility was given to us. The teachers are very inspiring and are very involved with each student at the school. Administration, although strict at times was an exemplary set of faculty with high student involvement, development, and discipline.... Read 146 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 847

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Newton Conover City Schools, NC•

• PK, K-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 74

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Hickory, NC•

• Private School•

• 2-11

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Hickory, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 18

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1