Skip to Main Content

2020 Best Public High Schools in North CarolinaAbout this List

The 2020 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 651
Best Schools
651 results

  1. Raleigh Charter High School

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

    Alum: Raleigh Charter was amazing! Small and personal relationships with teachers. Teachers who are knowledgable and passionate--most are doctors. A school setting that doesn't restrict students but encourages them to be themselves and embrace every part of them. Feels like a small community where everyone knows everyone and gets together. Incredible academics. Definitely prepares you for college.
    Read 184 Reviews

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

  2. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

    • Public School
    • Durham, NC
    • 11-12
    • 46 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, or NCSSM as is called by alumni and students who currently attend, is an excellent boarding school in terms of the opportunity it presents young residents of North Carolina who truly want to challenge themselves and want an experience outside of what they know. Although it is a STEM school, it has an amazing Humanities/Arts department as well, that paired with the amazing faculty and staff is truly a knockout! They have amazing resources and tools that students can use for college prep and general hobby exploration, there are 100+ clubs on the campus, and their counseling department/clinic is always made readily available; its amazing that there's no payment to be made on the students part as well.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 680 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. The Early College at Guilford

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 98 reviews
    #3 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 98 Reviews

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

  4. East Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 229 reviews
    #4 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 229 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,376 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Green Hope High School

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

    Senior: Green Hope High School is very lucky in that so many people care about the future of the school and the students, and thus the school has been invested in and taken care of. I would rate my experience at the school as five stars, however, there are some critical programs that are underperforming. The math program, in particular, has a history of bad teachers and poorly designed curriculum. The guidance office, specifically my guidance counselor, has also been lackluster in helping seniors apply for college and scholarships. Overall, however, Green Hope High School has been a refreshing experience among other high schools, where everyone cares about the future of the students and works hard to create opportunities for them.
    Read 405 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,804 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

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

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 26 reviews
    #6 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 26 Reviews

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

  9. Panther Creek High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 448 reviews
    #7 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 448 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,720 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Carrboro High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 193 reviews
    #8 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 193 Reviews

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

  11. Ardrey Kell High School

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

    Works Here: Niche should have this school at #1. Outstanding school. I agree with everything except one characteristic that should be rated much higher. Administration is A+! Leadership here is incredible. Teachers, students, and parents make a great team. Outstanding place to learn.
    Read 582 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,991 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. William G. Enloe High School

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

    Junior: I have loved my experience at Enloe high school so far. However, the environment at the school can be very stressful. It is Enloe 'culture' to take as many AP courses as will fit in your schedule, and maintain a high A in all of them. The courses are rigorous and time-consuming, but worth it. I am involved in sports and love the bond it can provide! Just wish our faculty let us do more as a student body. They limit where we sit as a student section during football and don't allow for fun things like painting parking spots.
    Read 643 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,505 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Marvin Ridge High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 371 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 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,664 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 211 reviews
    #12 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 211 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,516 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School

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

    Alum: I graduated from STEM last May, and let me tell you, these 4 years were some of the best years of my life.

    I met my best friends at this school - the tight-knit community of your class (~50-60 students) allows you to form friendships that will last a lifetime.

    I have also had the wonderful opportunity to be taught by some of the kindest teachers I've ever had - I can truthfully say that both the faculty and administration at this school care about you and genuinely want you to succeed in life - and will give you all the support to do so.

    The workload was tough - as it is with any Early College. But the students, faculty and administration made it all bearable.

    Go STEM! So proud to be an alum.
    Read 32 Reviews

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

  16. Woods Charter School

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

    Senior: Woods is a very unique experience. I'm a senior now and have been there since first grade, so I know the school like the back of my hand. We have pretty good teachers and their is a fair amount of AP classes offered if you are looking for a more challenging high school experience. Woods also offers an accelerated math program starting in 7th grade where you can take math classes two grades above your own which I liked a lot. However, woods is under-funded and small so we don't have as many resources as other public schools would have. I have also had some bad experiences with the school administrators, but that isn't very common. Overall, I would recommend this school to someone who would thrive in small class sizes and would take advantage of the more challenging courses offered.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 511 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Philip J. Weaver Education Center

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 140 reviews
    #15 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 140 Reviews

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

  18. Research Triangle High School

    • Public School
    • Durham, NC
    • 9-12
    • 43 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Parent: We love the atmosphere of this school, the teachers are fun but also serious about teaching and learning. Expectations are high and students work hard but they don't have tons of homework, and many classes have lots of hands-on activities. We love the personalized learning method, students can move ahead quickly if they have already mastered the material - so much better than spending hours bored in class while the teacher goes over something you already know! It's a little confusing to understand how the grading works at first, but it's worth the hassle. We're so glad we took a chance and tried something different.
    Read 43 Reviews

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

  19. Weddington High School

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

    Senior: Weddington High School gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and expand my knowledge not only about basic math and literature but life skills as well. I came into the school with a negative outlook and no hope. I began to join a club then later was awarded the club Vice President. After being promoted to a higher position in my club, I became very social and excited to go to school. My junior year of High School, I was enrolled in chemistry. Science and Math are difficult subjects for me, but with the help of my teacher I began to acquire chemistry skills easier and faster. Not only did my chemistry teacher teach me the importance of the periodic table but how to grow up as well. In chemistry I learned life skills such as how to prepare for an interview and keep a balance of work and fun. Regardless of what sport, club, or hobby you’re into, you’re bound to thrive at Weddington. Did I mention we’ve won state championships for Football and Track 3 years in a row? Go Warriors!
    Read 348 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,362 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Early College of Forsyth

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

    Senior: My experience at Early College of Forsyth for the past four years of my life has been an amazing opportunity instead of generic highschool. Once I graduate I will receive an Associates' degree and my highschool degree, and not once do I regret it. The dynamics of Early College of Forsyth have always put students first and valued their education. Teachers and Staff have a close relationship with the students which supports major educational growth compared to my previous years of school.
    Read 125 Reviews

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

  23. Wayne Early Middle College High School

    • Wayne County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 74 reviews
    #19 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 74 Reviews

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

  24. Lake Norman Charter School

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

    Freshman: Lake Norman Charter has some of the best teachers in the state. As a student myself, I was fortunate enough to be taught by some of the best teachers. These were teachers that went above and beyond to educate and engage their students by provide an intriguing learning environment. Overall, LNC stands out academically as it was the only high school in the region to receive an "A" on their school report card. There is one thing that I have not been particularly fond of: some new additions to the LNC teaching staff. Ever since the addition of grades K-4 and the movement of some teachers from the middle and high schools, some of the teachers hired were highly questionable in the aspect of teaching ability and did not meet my expectations. In the past year alone, the middle school has had 3 teachers spend a year or less before departing from the LNC staff. While the majority of LNC's teachers remain superb, I strongly encourage LNC to consider their teacher appointments.
    Read 236 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,605 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Myers Park High School

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

    Senior: Myers Park High School is a great place for students of all diversities. There is a wide range of academic programs offered: IB, AP, honors... The sports are incredible, especially the football team which is nationally ranked in the top 100 teams. The administrators are very passionate about school safety, especially with this being such a large campus. Whether you are into sports, academics, or another club/program, Myers Park is the school for you!
    Read 406 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,994 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

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

    Senior: My experience with Central Academy of Technology and Arts has been great! I love that there are academy classes because I’m able to do what I love every day. Because I’m in the dance academy of performing arts, I’m able to express myself through dance every day and perform in front of all of my friends and family during the shows. I’m also able to choreograph dances which helps to expand my creativity. Because it’s also a very small school, there is a lot of one on one help from teachers. I believe this is why we are so successful in academics. One thing I would like to see change is CATA’s sports. Because our school is primarily for technology and performing arts, I believe a lot of the focus on sports is lost. It can be hard for anyone desiring a scholarship, for sports specifically, to achieve one if they don’t have the resources to be pushed to their highest potential. Other than that, I think CATA is a great school all around.
    Read 118 Reviews

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

  27. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

    • Public School
    • Mooresboro, NC
    • K-12
    • 132 reviews
    #23 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 132 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,298 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Grimsley High School

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 391 reviews
    #24 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 391 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,676 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Wake Early College of Health & Sciences

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

    Junior: My experience with Wake Early College of Health & Sciences is amazing. I am currently a Junior, and have loved it ever since. Though it is a hard school, the teachers truly care about the students, and the way they teach shows it. This school provides a quality school education, as well as a friendly environment for students.
    Read 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 298 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Cushing Academy

    • Private School
    • Ashburnham, MA
    • 9-12
    • 93 reviews

    Alum: I am a loyal Alumnus who now works at Cushing. When I was here as a student over 30 years ago this school embraced me as a youngster looking to find his way as a young freshman who needed a lot of guidance, structure & support. The support I got then is the same support that I see students getting now. Our faculty and staff are very hands-on and attentive to student needs and learning styles. We have an advisory system in place that has built-in checks and balances to make sure the students get the support they need & do not get lost. The student to faculty ratio is such that all students are respected and known for who they are and what they bring to our community. The true meaning of our mission statement, which reads - Cushing exists for students and develops curious, creative and confident learners & leaders has not been more evident for a long time. Cushing's future is bright and I am very proud to be a part of this community again as a faculty member and loyal Alum. Go Penguins!
    Read 93 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 392 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  34. Review Your School 
  35. Sponsored

    The Franciscan School

    • Private School
    • Raleigh, NC
    • K-8
    • 2 reviews

    Parent: Love this school! Great sense of community, inclusive environment, academically - a solid foundation, school takes a wholistic approach to the students.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • 650 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Delphi Academy of Boston

    • Private School
    • Milton, MA
    • PK, K-8
    • 7 reviews

    Alum: Delphi Academy of Boston is dedicated to helping their students comprehend new topics, and to learn how to learn - a skill that's needed not only in school, but throughout one's life. It's been two decades since I've attended, and I still use elements of their approach when I need to learn new things.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • 122 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 27