2024 Best School Districts in North Carolina

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: I liked that there were a variety of classes that you could take or extracurriculars that you could do. For example, there was a variety of sports and clubs. The teachers were very accommodating and for the most part, they were good people. While there is a variety of levels of classes (standard, honors, AP), there aren’t diverse students in high levels because of the learning gap in the community. Overall, Chapel Hill High School is a very good high school in North Carolina.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 20

• Students 11,563

• Columbus, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  10 reviews

Junior: I was going to a different high school up until my junior year. Covid hit, closing things down. Especially schools. My old high school was fully remote the entire 2020-2021 school year. I wanted to go in person! I missed interactions with peers. I missed sitting in a classroom. I missed the teacher lectures. So after debating the pros and cons of transferring schools in high schools, I decided to transfer to Polk County High School in September 2020. I was very nervous about the decision. However, once I walked thru the doors I was greeted with smiling faces, eager to meet me. Teachers were so nice and helpful. I made friends quickly. It is a small school, but the friendliness and welcoming I recieved was big. I love it here! I am so happy I made the decision to transfer. People always say that small towns are friendly towns. They are absoulutly right! I can not see myself going anywhere else! I am so thankful and gratful to call Polk County High School, "my school"!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,129

• Monroe, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  166 reviews

Senior: UCPS utilizes practical solution that most other school districts don't. Instead of wasting precious time and taxpayer money on institutional methods, real world solutions are presented. This makes for a much smoother operating school and more well-rounded kids.... Read 166 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 52

• Students 40,600

• Boone, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: The school is very hands on and has many opportunities for students, whether it be athletic, academic or the arts. I am not an athlete and have love of the arts, I have participated in many programs with choir, for 4 years I have been to many traveling competitions receiving superior ratings. This has helped my self esteem and my choices for college. I have been accepted into 2 of the schools I have applied for already and am able to make a decision on which school is best for me. Watauga schools have helped guide me and give me the tools to further my education. All I need now is the ability to pay for college, I come from a low income home of a full time working single mom and my little sister has special needs. I plan on majoring in Psychology and continuing my education to complete research and study mental illnesses and disorders. I love my hometown and want to return to give back to the community that has supported me growing up.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 11

• Students 4,673

• Newton, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: Being a Newton Conover High School senior has been the best 4 years of my life. From walking into this beautiful culture my Freshman was so exciting to me personally, the teachers/staff are amazing and are so understanding, definitely will miss the awesome memories that were created here during my 4 years at NCHS!... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,870

• Mount Airy, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: Going to Mount Airy City Schools was amazing. The teachers and staff truly care about the students wants and needs. They were so accommodating, especially throughout the Covid-19 situation. Easily, I can think of five staff members that I could have gone to to talk about any personal issues that I was having, I always felt comfortable and safe in Mount Airy High school. The teachers were always willing to help with any situation. They also truly cared not only about my well-being, but also my learning experience. Mount Airy City Schools is a truly amazing school system to be a part of. Go Bears!... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,729

• Cary, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  543 reviews

Parent: Wake County Schools aim to provide a quality education to all students. The district offers a wide range of programs and services, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, magnet schools, and special education programs. It has diverse student population. The teachers have consistently shown a high level of dedication and commitment to their students' growth and development. Students are encouraged to take up new challenges. School believes in open and transparent communication. Teachers are staying up-to-date with innovative teaching methods and technologies. This has enriched my child's learning experience and prepared them for the future. The variety of extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the school has allowed my child to explore their interests beyond the classroom. Schools are committed to provide a safe learning environment. Wake County Schools are one of the best schools in North Carolina!... Read 543 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 193

• Students 160,099

• Elkin, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: I am so happy with my experience at Elkin City Schools that I hope to send my children there one day. The school continues to improve every year and implements things I wish I could have had when I was there, but I'm happy the new generations will have it. My only complaint is that with this school system being so small compared to some others, you don't get some of the same opportunities that big schools give you. It takes a lot more hard work to be equal with students at other big schools.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,283

• Mooresville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  59 reviews

Junior: I thought Mooresville wasn't the school for me. I'd always say that it sucks or the people are draining so with that, the result was moving schools. I left Mooresville to try something new but shortly after I realized Mooresville is my home. I have never not felt welcome here, these people and the school are my entire heart and more. I've come to see that the education I've been receiving here is not like any other school. The teachers are like another set of parents away from home. Overall my experience with Mooresville graded school district is outstanding although it took a little bump in the road to see it.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,982

• Concord, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  133 reviews

Senior: The best part of being part of this district as a student was that most of my teachers have made some type of impact in my life, even if I'm not from here. I've always thought about how amazing teachers are for taking their time and effort to teach so many different people for not that much money. Although sometimes relationships between teachers and students can be biased in my opinion. I think some teachers prefer to focus more on students who need help but don't make the effort to try in their classes but I feel like that means students who try to over-achieve and try their best don't get recognized as much. I also feel like some of my peers have had disadvantages. With not being able to fill in a certain criteria this wouldn't allow all types of students to get challenged instead, students who wanted to be challenged will take classes that do so but the students could have more to offer but don't show that they want to aren't being pushed enough to pursue that type of path.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 42

• Students 33,562

• Beaufort, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: A pretty solid education experience, though lacking in any sense of passion or drive, especially regarding core classes, in exception of one teacher. On the county level, though, they enforced the following of curriculum and educated me in a way that covered the basics of college readiness.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 18

• Students 7,964

• Lincolnton, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  33 reviews

Senior: My school, overall, has been a positive experience. The academics have been strong, and I've developed well. However, there are areas where improvements could be made. I'd like to see more funding allocated to the band program and the media center to enhance the resources available for creative and intellectual pursuits. Additionally, increasing the number of guidance counselors would provide better support for students' personal and academic needs. Focusing on cleanliness and fostering a culture of respect within the school environment would create a more conducive atmosphere for learning. Emphasizing project-based learning methods would also enhance our educational experience. Despite these suggestions, I believe my school has contributed significantly to my overall growth and development.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 23

• Students 11,314

• Asheville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  24 reviews

Senior: Asheville City Schools encourages diversity and equity. They ask for a lot of grants so there is a sufficient amount of funding for education. Depending on what school you are at, the education can be good. There are a lot of clubs, activities, and things you can do if you decide to get involved.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 10

• Students 4,218

• Dobson, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  30 reviews

Works Here: I love working here. Not only do my fellow staff truly care about kids, they truly care for each other. It makes me so happy to know that I can come to work every day and know that the work we are doing collectively is making a difference in a student's life. We have some of the best educators in this STATE!... Read 30 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 20

• Students 7,300

• Newton, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  52 reviews

Senior: As someone who has moved from county to county, I can say that Catawba county offers an expansive range of opportunities for students to participate in early-college programs and ensures that all students have the information available to them. Catawba county schools are also very cooperative with one another and work as a collective team rather than following stigmatization of "rival schools." The one thing that I would improve about the school system is to not only prioritize budget spending on sports but to also allow the musical, artistic, and theatrical cultures to grow and expand. I believe that it is important to balance ALL extracurricular activities and to allow students to explore their interests equally; not only showing them the physical side. But despite these suggestions to the county's policies, I have had an amazing 3 years at my high school and in the county!... Read 52 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 28

• Students 15,494

• Asheville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: I personally had an amazing time through Buncombe county schools growing up. I moved from Florida when I was six years old and got placed into an Estes elementary school halfway through the school year. This was very hard being a kid but I instantly had a sense of belonging and met some amazing friends. I then transferred schools in third grade to Averys creek elementary and loved the experience and memories I made there. The most influential school In this county would definitely be T.C Roberson High. I had an awesome four years at this high school and met many friends who I believe will be life long friends. On top of this the school environment, teachers, and sports were amazing.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 45

• Students 22,079

• Burnsville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: Lots of class diversity and very accepting community. Not very racially diverse, but there's lots of culture and art to participate in and create. A good place to grow up and get my pre-college education... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 1,962

• Wilmington, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: My family has had a positive experience at the New Hanover County Schools. I have two daughters in high school and they have attended schools in this county their entire lives. Our interactions have been positive for the most part. If I could go back and change anything, it would be 2020! That was a tough year for all of us. My daughters fared better that many because they seemed to be organized and focused. Sadly, many students did not respond well to online learning. I think our county did the best they could under the circumstances, but we should be using this time to train our teachers more thoroughly on online teaching in case another crisis arises in the future. I am happy to live in New Hanover County and very satisfied with our educational system.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 43

• Students 24,933

• North Wilkesboro, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: Overall, Wilkes County Schools have been great! Breakfast and lunch are free for all elementary and middle schoolers. High schoolers have to pay. Although, the lunch foods are not that great.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 22

• Students 8,643

• Shelby, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  26 reviews

Senior: Cleveland county schools are a great group of schools that provide an excellent education to students. Students have the chance to learn about new things, and also learn how to live in a great community.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 30

• Students 14,324

• Carthage, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.35 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: Union pines high is a superb school,the majority of the teachers and staff are immensely kind, I would rather attend no other high school!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 22

• Students 12,828

• Nags Head, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: The school system is very good about making everybody feel comfortable and safe. They constantly find ways to compromise with the needs of each student, parent and staff member. I moved into this school system my sophomore year after attending the same school system for almost 10 years and the staff and administration made me feel so welcomed. Coming from such a different environment I was overwhelmed and they definitely made it a little easier. Teacher generally push students to exceed to their fullest potential and be successful.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 11

• Students 5,244

• Statesville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: Iredell Statesville Schools has provided my school with endless opportunities such as great teachers, early college programs, dual enrollment programs, and even a 4-million-dollar football field for my school. Iredell Statesville Schools is the best district.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 38

• Students 20,686

• Hendersonville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  31 reviews

Senior: As a student who grew up for the entirety of my life in Henderson County under the organization of Henderson County Schools, I would argue that I have a lot of experience with the local school board. In my experience, I feel that the school board is genuinely passionate about the students and teachers they make decisions regarding. I do feel, however, that not every school receives equal funding or has equal chances. I notice, that the highest performing school is oftentimes prioritized because of the money it produces for the community. I would recommend Henderson County Public Schools to most anybody.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 23

• Students 12,768

• Franklin, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  12 reviews

Junior: Not much in the way of academics or clubs, however I think it’s a good school with great support and involvement from parents and teachers. Lacks funding in a lot of areas but all the teachers are considerate and good at what they do!... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 12

• Students 4,473