Skip to Main Content

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 636
Best Schools
636 results

  1. Raleigh Charter High School

    • Public School
    • Raleigh, NC
    • 9-12
    • 169
    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 169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 561 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. The Early College at Guilford

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 90
    2 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I have greatly enjoyed my time at ECG, and I will surely be sad to leave it! ECG is a tight knit community of like-minded individuals invested in academics, and this creates a competitive yet quite engaging and encouraging environment for students. The academics are a great deal of work, but nothing that the average ECG student cannot handle. I have especially appreciated my experiences with freshman and sophomore English, History, and Calculus classes.
    Read 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 200 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. East Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 216
    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 216 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,360 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  4. Sponsored

    Our Lady of Mercy School

    • Private School
    • Potomac, MD
    • PK, K-8
    • 1

    High School Senior: The teachers allow for growth and nourishment.
    Read 1 Review

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 226 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Green Hope High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 358
    4 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: The diversity, academics and athletics of this school is superb! I love the clubs and organizations that Green Hope has. The only thing that the school can work on is the recognition of people who have worked their hardest to include organizations outside of school in the school.
    Read 358 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,637 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Carrboro High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 180
    5 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: Love the school! It was super inclusive due to the small size and most teachers really care about their students. Any bad teacher is quickly run off by angry students who make their voice heard. There are many opportunities given for students to achieve the future they want.

    However, the administration, specifically the principal, undermines some of the values of the school. She is not involved with the students and often ignores their opinion. Many teachers also, in secret, dislike her aggressive and off-putting style. Instead of fostering the amazing Carrboro community she is working to destroy it and has no trust in any students, despite most never having done anything wrong.
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 813 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Panther Creek High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 421
    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 421 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,791 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. William G. Enloe High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 607
    7 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Junior: Enloe is great! It has the best arts and academics in the state. I have to say that the student to teacher ratio listed here (1:17) is ridiculous. I only have 1 class with fewer than 31 students and that's because it has 3 years worth of prerequisites. With that said, the teachers we have are fantastic, and there are high expectations from the students.
    Read 607 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,501 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Ardrey Kell High School

    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 522
    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 522 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,876 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 202
    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 202 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,463 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Philip J. Weaver Education Center

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 125
    10 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: Weaver Academy is the most amazing school and I am so lucky to have attended it! My home school is Grimsley, but I was allowed to attend Weaver full-time as a CTE student. In my years at Weaver, I was able to take 14 computer science classes! I feel like I am very prepared to attend college as well as I have an insight into what I want to study at college. The classes were small and the teachers very knowledgeable! The teachers clearly enjoy what they teach as well as working with students. The principle runs a tight ship that allows students and teachers to blend well together.
    Read 125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 254 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Marvin Ridge High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 343
    11 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: I am a MR alum and I loved being a Maverick! The education I received was top notch but you have to be willing to challenge yourself in honors, AP, or even IB classes. The faculty and staff are some of the greatest people you will ever encounter. I played a varsity sport all four years I attended and it was a great experience. The whole school really has a way of making such a new school feel like they have roots and traditions. And most importantly- I was definitely college ready after graduating from Marvin!
    Read 343 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,630 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 99
    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 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 793 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Weddington High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 325
    13 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Junior: Weddington High School excels in almost all areas. The administration--although it has changed hands many times during my period here--maintains a strong hand over the school, but still ensures that students are involved in decision making. Principle Dr. Jones treats his position similar to how you may view a presidency, guidance counselors and fellow assistant principles as the legislative and judicial branches, and the students play citizens. Guidance counselors have began to promise preparedness for our futures, and assistant principles are active in their roles by keeping the school running smoothly with their designated students. Although we do not elect our staff and administration, there is common support and pride in being a Warrior.
    Read 325 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,337 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Wayne Early Middle College High School

    • Wayne County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 68
    14 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Niche User: Wayne Early Middle College High School is an excellent school for upcoming high school students to have a smooth transition into a college experience. Aside from a school sports team, students are provided with everything one could expect from a regular high school experience, as well as the opportunity to get their Associate's degree and get used to the qualitative expectations of your average college professor. The only drawbacks I'd consider the school to have would rely on the individual students themselves. Specifically, for students who aren't very determined to do well in their college courses, especially in their junior year, their GPA will suffer accordingly. Ultimately, what one aims for from their experience at WEMCHS will determine what they'll get out of it, both good and bad. The combination of taking all high school honors courses, obtaining a free Associate's degree, and having access to an abundance of four-year university knowledge should not be wasted.
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 239 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Durham School of the Arts

    • Durham Public Schools, NC
    • 6-12
    • 215
    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 215 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,639 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Early College of Forsyth

    • Forsyth County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 111
    16 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: I loved the small community which meant close relationships with students and teachers. It also offered more leadership opportunities and ways to get involved. They could get a better counselor who is happier to help students, since the transition to college-level coursework can be intimidating at first.
    Read 111 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 219 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Myers Park High School

    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 371
    17 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I like the opportunities available to all students at Myers Park. Their motto is "make the park your own" and with everything they offer it's very easy to do that. Academically, you can push yourself however you see fit as they offer IB, AP, honors, and standard level classes. They also have lots of opportunities outside of academics. Myers Park allows you to customize your high school experience and are continually bettering the resources available to students. One thing I would like the change is the faculty and staff getting to know the students better. Being in a such a big school you have to seek out special attention from teachers and administration. Overall, I have had a good experience at Myers Park and I was able to meet so many different people and participate in lots of varying activities making my time at Myers Park very enjoyable.
    Read 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,859 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 23
    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 23 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 190 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Atkins Academic & Technology High School

    • Forsyth County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 61
    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 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 718 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Cuthbertson High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 296
    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 296 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,526 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Grimsley High School

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 373
    21 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Sophomore: Not only do I think that Grimsley High is one of the best schools in the county, I believe students who go to this school will find many opportunities. There are so many course options; among them, my favorite is marching band/wind ensemble! The campus’s policies are pretty reasonable in my opinion though they could probably improve the bathrooms.
    Read 373 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,720 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Community School of Davidson

    • Public School
    • Davidson, NC
    • K-12
    • 48
    22 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Great environment, teachers really care and want to see students be successful. Huge advantages over public schools!
    Read 48 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,342 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your School

  32. Lake Norman Charter School

    • Public School
    • Huntersville, NC
    • 5-12
    • 218
    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 218 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,606 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Thomas Jefferson Class Academy

    • Public School
    • Mooresboro, NC
    • K-12
    • 125
    24 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Our classical curriculum, based on the Trivium, which consists of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric, imparts valuable and priceless knowledge to the students of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. This Trivium teaches the students how to think. While most schools teach the students how to memorize and regurgitate words, Thomas Jefferson teaches the students how to reason and speak intelligently. The school's mission is to cultivate thoughtful, articulate young adults, and it thoroughly completes this mission while still preparing us amply for college. If I had to change one thing about the school, it would be to increase the say that the students have in decision-making processes on campus. I started the TJCA Student Union this year to reach that goal, and we have made progress, but I hope it continues once I am gone, and that the administration does not forget how much a classical education means to a struggling teenager living in a confusing time.
    Read 125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,301 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Woods Charter School

    • Public School
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • K-12
    • 31
    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 31 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 503 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    The Raleigh School

    • Private School
    • Raleigh, NC
    • PK, K-5
    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 282 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Charlottesville Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 7

    Parent: Our family LOVES CCS! Our two boys went through CCS and are much better young men and students as a result. The overall environment at the Catholic School is exceptional. Academically, the students are encouraged, supported, and pushed to do their very best in the classroom. The teachers do an amazing job of reaching each student individually which translates into a trusting, caring, and successful school experience for the student, the parent(s), and also the teacher. In and out of the classroom the teachers and staff also do an extraordinary job of instilling discipline, self-respect and respect for others, thoughtfulness, and a sense of community and personal responsibility. Our boys continue to excel each and every year both as students and as young men in our community and I believe those valuable traits are a direct result of the foundation, mentorship, and guidance that they received as students at the Charlottesville Catholic School.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 337 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 26