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2019 Best Public High Schools in North CarolinaAbout this List

The 2019 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 652
Best Schools
652 results

  1. Raleigh Charter High School

    • Public School
    • Raleigh, NC
    • 9-12
    • 175 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Freshman: Raleigh Charter High School is really a great school. I started out not wanting to come here, but everyone was so welcoming! The older class students are extremely helpful, and the teachers are very qualified in the subject they teach. There is also a wide variety of clubs! You can even make your own, if you like.
    I am so thankful that I have gotten to experience such an amazing place. For anyone doubting going here or not, definitely try it out! I’m almost sure you won’t regret it.
    Read 175 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 562 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. The Early College at Guilford

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 94 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: The Early College at Guilford is phenomenal. I've experienced diversity, academic growth, and personal/social development in ways I never would have imagined 4 years ago. The opportunities I've had here are unparalleled and have empowered me to reach for goals far beyond what I hoped for in middle school. The coursework is challenging, but my peers and I have developed amazing friendships as we've worked hard together.
    The freedom of junior and senior year is excellent. We have enough structure to make sure we're highly competitive for college admissions, while still having the opportunity to explore fields to which none of my peers at other high schools have been exposed. Regarding diversity, I have friends from 7+ countries, some whose parents are doctors, and some who will be first-generation college students. Nowhere else have I experienced anything even close to the diversity of ECG.
    Bottom line: If you're willing to be challenged and stretched, ECG will change your life.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 199 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. East Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 221 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: East is pretty good. Most teachers really prepare students for college, future academics, etc. Most kids are very academically oriented, so there is less school spirit than average. People complain about the food but it's actually really good, with long lines at the beginning of each lunch and a variety to choose from everyday. The school has a very liberal atmosphere, and is pretty accepting also. THere are a variety of extracurriculars to choose from and many classes (ie. APs, PLTW, Biomed .etc) that many students can take/elect to start. Overall, it's a pretty nice school!
    Read 221 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,376 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Winterville Charter Academy

    • Public School
    • Winterville, NC
    • K-8
    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 556 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Green Hope High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 384 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools 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 384 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,804 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Carrboro High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 187 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Carrboro High School offers good classes and really pushes its students academically through programs like the Academy of International Studies. I feel that most of the teachers and faculty at Carrboro High are supportive of their students and do everything in their power to prepare them for their future. The school is also extremely diverse, but one of its biggest problems is there is a disconnect between different racial or ethnic groups of students. As most AP classes are white-dominated, other students don't often mix with them.
    Read 187 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 818 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Panther Creek High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 431 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: My experience at Panther Creek High School was phenomenal; just like any rising freshmen, I had mixed feelings about high school in general. Would I make new friends? Would the classes be extremely difficult? Would it be safe for a reserved student like me? However, the diversity and the teachers made high school a very enjoyable experience that I will never forget. Most of the teachers are people that care to connect with their students outside the classroom, and all of them are very optimistic, which makes each day all the better. The diversity of the school too allowed me to be open to a variety of demographic and ideological groups; I now have a better understanding of what the outside world really looks like. One thing I would change is to have more committed counselors that want to connect with their students. Otherwise, I truly enjoyed my academic and social life at the high school!
    Read 431 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,720 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. William G. Enloe High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 626 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Enloe has a lot of unique opportunities that make it stand out from other high schools. With numerous Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and academic field specific classes ranging from AP Calculus AB/BC to IB Film to the Medical Bio Science Academy's curriculum, the education is extensive. At the same time extracurricular pursuits are beyond like the touring Jazz Band and the charity fundraising Student Council. Yet the academically driven school culture preaches the line of toxicity. Intentional or unintentional, peer pressure exists to say college success is not possible unless you take as many APs or IBs as possible, and hastily avoid anything that could lower your GPA. Many have seen their mental health decline due to the stress. This is not to say Enloe is not a great school, deserving of all its distinctions, but to caution those expecting a normal high school experience to be wary of the strain the school's college-readiness mindset can have.
    Read 626 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,505 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Ardrey Kell High School

    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 547 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Ardrey Kell is a very good school. I love the people there. Their always so kind and helpful. They offer tons of extracurricular activities. Some examples are Track, DECA, and KEY club. It's a great environment to be in too. The classes are challenging but fun. However, they are strict. They have a lockout policy, which means that if you're late to a class you won't be allowed to go back in. Which if you think about it, it's technically not a bad thing. It's all just about safety. I had an amazing experience. If you enroll in this school, you won't be disappointed!
    Read 547 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,991 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 208 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I enjoyed the math and science teachers. The sports are amazing! The english department could be improved especially reading and sentence structure for writing. Having a seminar course to illustrate varied college majors would be helpful. With all the varied professions in the triangle, parents allowing students to visit and learn about their place of work would help students decide on their college majors. The high school buildings need to be renovated but that is planned for next year!
    Read 208 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,516 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Philip J. Weaver Education Center

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 133 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I like almost everything about Weaver! The teachers and administration really care about the students and truly want to see them succeed. Our school culture is also very vibrant and unique. However, not everyone feels included and Weaver has some of the same problems as many other public high schools. Also, the facilities really need work and seem like they haven't been updated in quite some time. It's either extremely hot or very cold in the building. This does not diminish how amazing the staff is and how talented the students are. Weaver is a place where academic excellence is encouraged and fostered as well as a place where students can grow in their artistic pursuits.
    Read 133 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 258 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Marvin Ridge High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 358 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Parent: MRHS is a great school with a variety of classes so students can choose the best fit for their learning style. The IB program is outstanding & truly prepares students for life after high school. It's a lot of work, but if your student is motivated & loves learning, it's an excellent option! MRHS has its share of high achievers, which can make it an uphill battle for some of the best students to stand out from the crowd in everything from academics to athletics. The school is located in an affluent area with students feeding in from surrounding neighborhoods. The “Marvin bubble” is not a true representation of the world outside. IB is a countywide program so Union County students are able to apply. This should help with bringing in a more diverse student body, something we recognize a need for. Just "good" players rarely have a chance to experience athletics because the competition is tough. Talk among parents & students feeds the overachievement frenzy.
    Read 358 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,664 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 109 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: I absolutely loved CATA! I established friendships that I am confident I will keep for a lifetime! I was also given knowledge in the medical field to advance into college. Although, the reason for my 4-star rating is because some of the public schools in Union County began to emerge with much better medical programs where students left with a certificate, and CATA did not offer that which I felt made their academy less valuable. I also had a few issues with some math teachers, however; I overall loved my experience and would encourage any middle schools to apply! You'll have the time of your life!
    Read 109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 834 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Weddington High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 335 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Junior: As with any student and school, there are ups and downs to school life. For most, it is the teachers and administration that can make or break the experience. The work load at Weddington can tend to be a bit much (especially when balancing a job and other activities) but it shows the high academic standard all students are held to. Administration tends to be tough, but not on the "problem" children, and doesn't tend to take student voice or opinion into consideration. But most teachers truly do care about their students, and their students opinions, that it makes the experience worth while.
    Read 335 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,362 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Wayne Early Middle College High School

    • Wayne County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 73 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: The teachers were very relaxed and acted like friends rather than teachers. There were many opportunities to be involved outside the classroom in extracurriculars, and the inclusive environment greatly reduced bullying. Cliques didn't really exist. Everyone was friends. The guidance counselor was supportive and readily available to help us. However, the pressure to receive our associate's degrees without taking a fifth year caused psychological issues for many students.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 243 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Durham School of the Arts

    • Durham Public Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 224 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: This is my 7th year at Durham School of the Arts. There isn't enough space to capture all the respect and love I have for this school or that of my peers. We've all grown together as a family. The art classes are rigorous but in the end, it all pays off via professional productions, artwork, writing, etc. by dedicated, talented students who’ve been crafting their talent for years. Most of the students and instructors are uplifting and engaged, and the academics prepare you well for college. The teachers are very understanding and go out of their way to help. Creatives thrive, as opportunities to put oneself out there and learn about careers are easily accessible. I didn’t give a 5 because like any other school, DSA isn't perfect. Academic rigor can stress students out and promote intense academic competition. However, it’s still an amazing school that produces well-rounded students who are ready to face the world head-on, whether that be through academic or creative approaches.
    Read 224 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,711 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Early College of Forsyth

    • Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 116 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: Early College of Forsyth is definitely nothing like the traditional high school, however, the environment you're placed in is so eco-friendly that ECF will literally become your second home and the teachers and classmate will become your second family.
    Read 116 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 246 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Myers Park High School

    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 387 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I'm a senior at Myers Park high school graduating in 2019, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed my 4 years there and I would highly recommend it to others. What made my high school experience so great was the size of the school. While others see that as a negative and I also did my freshman year I quickly learned that there is literally a place for everyone with all the clubs, sports, and activities that the school offers; I think there are over 100 clubs from the fly fishing club to the anime club to the curling club, and the athletics top it off in the fall you could come onto the campus on a Friday and everyone would be talking about the football game that night. I really feel like Myers Park has somthing to offer to everyone, but at the end of the day you'll only get out what you put in.
    Read 387 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,994 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 24 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T is a school that you will certainly need to be ready for! The advantages of going to an Early College is amazing with two years of college experience as well. Due to the limited number of students per grade, the bonds created between students are exceptional and lasting. The diversity in the school is amazing with a majority of the school being traditionally a minority. This school really feels like home and through thick and thin, you'll gain support.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 179 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Atkins Academic & Technology High School

    • Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 67 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Atkins High School is the best high school in the state of North Carolina. It is a STEM school; everything from engineering to biomedical tech is offered. Students at this school get internships easily because of the connections the staff have with professionals around the community. It is also located in Winston Salem, one of the cities doing the most innovative research in the health sciences and biotechnology. Atkins is not a school to attend if you plan to be mediocre and fulfill basic requirements of high school. The teachers at Atkins conduct how they grade, their assignments, and the atmosphere of their classes based on their college experience. Most students who graduated from Atkins and did well come back and say college is much easier than what they thought it would be. The principle works to eliminate any external distractions such as bullying and that is why we have SMOD. Our motto is "where its cool to be smart," and it definitely lives on!
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 858 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Cuthbertson High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 314 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: It was a very neat tidy and clean school and well prepares you for going to college! The facility is nice, the teachers are excellent and its overall was just a very nice school to be in. I really learned a lot in my four years at Cuthbertson that I definitely apply to college now. It was such a benefit and it helped me prepare and get ready for college. It is a very safe and comfortable environment to learn freely and express yourself accordingly. I would for sure recommend this school to anyone looking for a place to move and attend a new high school!
    Read 314 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,547 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Grimsley High School

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 383 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I like a lot of things about Grimlsey. There is a lot of diversity, and there are many different opportunities at the school. There are a variety of clubs, and it is easy to find something that you are interested in. The classes are great, especially those offered through the rigorous IB program. I feel like I have gotten a great education through fantastic teachers who care about what they do. This school also has a lot of history, and the campus is beautiful. I feel like I have found my place here. It is an old school however, so the signal is not very good. That matters a lot to some people, but it doesn't really bother me that much. I will always be a Whirlie!
    Read 383 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,676 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Community School of Davidson

    • Public School
    • Davidson, NC
    • K-12
    • 53 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I have been to four schools throughout my K-12 education. CSD is very unique even among the strange schools I have attended. I love my school for many reasons, but the biggest one is the arts program. Community School of Davidson has an amazing arts program with great teachers and talented students. If I have had a rough day, I know I can look forward to my art class and advance my artistic skill. Academically, CSD is also exceptional. I have had wonderful teachers who are very knowledgeable in their subjects. No school is perfect, but I feel like CSD has helped me grow so much as a student and a person.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,371 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School 

  32. Lake Norman Charter School

    • Public School
    • Huntersville, NC
    • 5-12
    • 226 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: LNC has provided me with a very rigorous course load, but with that they have prepared me for more than just academics. With incredible teachers and immersion in a variety of situations, LNC has set me on the road to success by expanding my awareness and appreciation of others, as well as teaching me to value different perspectives. I have prospered at LNC!
    Read 226 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,605 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Thomas Jefferson Class Academy

    • Public School
    • Mooresboro, NC
    • K-12
    • 127 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Sophomore: Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is a wonderful school! There are many opportunities for kids to excel and learn as much as they can with many options for advanced classes! TJCA offers classes like AP Studio Art, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics, and AP Environmental Science to make sure each kid has a chance to excel in the subjects they are passionate about. There are also many different clubs and organizations that the students can get involved in. The teachers are very caring and truly want the best for their students.
    Read 127 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,298 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Woods Charter School

    • Public School
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • K-12
    • 34 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Junior: Woods Charter School is a very small school, with an average of 40 students per grade. This small learning environment makes it easy for students to interact with teachers and have their voices heard in the classroom. Students connect with each other well, and there is a very communal, friendly environment in every classroom. However, with a small school there is a limited number of classes available to students who want to explore majors and careers, and the small size also limits the number of sports. Even with these restrictions, Woods offers many AP courses and has many clubs and after school activities for students to become involved in.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 511 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Friends Academy

    • Private School
    • North Dartmouth, MA
    • PK, K-8
    • 4 reviews

    Parent: Both of my children attended Friends Academy from preschool through middle school. The community is one of a kind growing curious, empathetic, invested learners. My kids are talented writers, avid readers, and solid mathematicians. Friends cherished my children and gave them far more than a tremendous education, Friends gave them an insatiable love for learning.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 256 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Catholic Memorial School

    • Private School
    • West Roxbury, MA
    • 7-12
    • 38 reviews

    Works Here: From its faculty and staff to academics and athletics, Catholic Memorial School is thriving, and so are its students. Graduates matriculate to the nation's most competitive schools, incoming students are being challenged by new experiential learning curricula that help the boys find their fit. CM is also the smallest school in the Catholic Conference — there is no back row here, and faculty know each boy. It's a truly great place to spend six years.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 650 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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