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2018 Best School Districts in North CarolinaAbout this List

The 2018 Best School Districts 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, public school district ratings, and more. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Districts
118 results

  1. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

    • School District
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 28
    1 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: They are very prideful in their education! They also have a lot of cultural activities, including many opportunities for students to travel abroad.
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 20 Total Schools
    • 11,982 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Watauga County Schools

    • School District
    • Boone, NC
    • 5
    2 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: The Watauga County school system assures that your child is learning in a safe and judgement free environment. The teachers are unbelievably dedicated to providing their knowledge in their everyday lessons. I, personally, would recommend this district to anybody!
    Read 5 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10 Total Schools
    • 4,402 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Union County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Monroe, NC
    • 85
    3 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Junior: I really do love Union County Public Schools. The teachers and other members of the administration care about the well-being of the students, such as their grades and relationships with people. The Early College counselors work to give as much information about college opportunities to their students. There is a lot of motivation, ambition, love, and education in this district!
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 52 Total Schools
    • 42,147 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Asheville City Schools

    • School District
    • Asheville, NC
    • 11
    4 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Junior: My overall experience attending schools in the Asheville City Schools district was/is great! I feel as though I'm respected by my peers and educators, and, as a Junior, I really love the opportunities that we have to take classes at the college across the street.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 4,423 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Wake County Schools

    • School District
    • Cary, NC
    • 238
    5 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: I like the fact that it was much better than schools overseas. Wake county schools have dedicated teachers that are nice and willing to help. In my previous school teachers hit students and not as many were dedicated to helping and working with students. Wake county schools also has more tech advancements than the other schools I've been to overseas. The other schools I've been to barely have any computers, air conditioning, or sanitation. Wake county schools are great places to learn. The best of all is that it's free to attend!
    Read 238 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 181 Total Schools
    • 157,761 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Polk County Schools

    • School District
    • Columbus, NC
    • 6
    6 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: Polk County Schools is an amazing place for students to learn what the want to do for the rest of their life. Personally speaking I am impressed with the construction program at Polk County High School. The students are building houses and gaining money for the program so students can build more than just a small bird house. The students are learning what its like to be an actual carpenter. The carpentry teacher started a summer program where the students can work and get paid by learning on the job.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 2,287 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  8. Sponsored

    Trinity Academy

    • Private School
    • Raleigh, NC
    • K-12
    • 13

    Works Here: As the “departing longtime headmaster” mentioned in a recent post, I acknowledge that no one school is the best fit for every family or child. But having served at public and private institutions in six states, I have never experienced a more authentic Community of Faith and Learning than exists at Trinity Academy. And the academic, spiritual and cultural outcomes demonstrated by alumni successes stand comparison to any public or private school in North Carolina. I would happily remain at Trinity for the duration of my career were it not for the recent passing of my father, resulting in a need to be close enough to assist extended family with my widowed mother’s care in Texas. Happily, I have an opportunity to serve another school that is very similar to Trinity there, but I leave Trinity in the hands of a truly outstanding team of faculty and administrators.
    Read 13 Reviews

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

  9. Orange County Schools

    • School District
    • Hillsborough, NC
    • 23
    7 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: I went to Orange High School & graduated in 2012. I am now going to one of the top art colleges in the country in L.A., CA and excel in the writing programs here, unlike many of my peers here. I know this is largely because of my teachers from OHS who were patient with my learning disability and accommodating and took the time to help me succeed. At OHS, I had a high school experience that did NOT include the classic cliches of high school social experience. I am within an ethnic minority group in the U.S. and experienced acceptance and tolerance from nearly everyone in the school, and to me, that is a great thing to experience in the south. I know that the administration of this school has changed hands and that there are many new teachers, but my experience was one of nearly all of the teachers investing in their students and ethnic and cultural tolerance, acceptance, and diversity that stood out in a rural southern small town.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 7,627 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Mount Airy City Schools

    • School District
    • Mount Airy, NC
    • 4
    8 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: Totally prepared for college! College was a breeze because I was so well prepared in my middle school and high school years at Mount Airy.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,633 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Elkin City Schools

    • School District
    • Elkin, NC
    • 6
    9 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Junior: Elkin City School connects with Surry Community College and gives students an opportunity to attend college courses while attending high school courses, they also provide very excellent teachers. However, there is very little clubs and sports offered at this school.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 1,221 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Mooresville City Schools

    • School District
    • Mooresville, NC
    • 12
    10 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: I recently graduated from Mooresville Senior High School. I would overall give this school a 4 star rating for the first 3 years. My senior year, which was supposed to be one of the best times of my life was average. We had construction going on constantly with most of it starting in my sophmore/junior year. We we would be taking state exams, regualr testing, and etc with construction going on in the background! MHS did an okay job of keeping their students safe from construction, minus a few accounts. Education wise, mooresville was great! Most of our teachers tried their best to work with the students and different learning styles while some decided that it was their way or the highway.
    Read 12 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 6,130 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Cabarrus County Schools

    • School District
    • Concord, NC
    • 56
    11 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: I have atteneded Central Cabarrus High School. This school is filled with many smart and driven students. The teachers here are very helpful and they help the students achieve way beyond their goals. These teachers help us get ready for college by explaining what colleges and like and what they expect from us. Everything about this school is very encouraging. However, I would change what types of classes are offered. I would like to have a more variety of world languages other than Spanish and Chinese and more of a selection of AP classes. Other than that, Cabarrus County Schools is a great place to be enrolled at because they truly care and want all the students to succeed.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 39 Total Schools
    • 31,404 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Chatham County Schools

    • School District
    • Pittsboro, NC
    • 13
    12 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: I really like Chatham County Schools, Bonlee and Chatham Central in particular because that's where I attended school. Chatham County Schools are such great schools because the people are so friendly and are always willing to help you in any way they can. However, as a conservative I highly disagree with how the school board remained neutral during a Chatham Central graduation a few years back. I think that being a school board member they should have stood up for whatever they believed in and they should have to remain neutral in a situation like that.
    Read 13 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18 Total Schools
    • 8,690 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  16. Sponsored

    Winterville Charter Academy

    • Public School
    • Winterville, NC
    • K-5
    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 487 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Carteret County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Beaufort, NC
    • 13
    13 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Junior: I have had excellent experiences at every level of schooling with Carteret County Schools. Now in my Junior year of high school, I feel that my education has been and continues to be academically rigorous and socially satisfying. There are numerous opportunities to become involved outside of academics that enhance my overall experience. I know that I am ready for a successful college experience and career because of my foundation with Carteret County Schools.
    Read 13 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17 Total Schools
    • 8,472 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Buncombe County Schools

    • School District
    • Asheville, NC
    • 25
    14 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Freshman: Buncombe County Schools is the most amazing county in North Carolina. I attend North Buncombe High School currently. I've been through all of the schools for North Buncombe, and every single one has made me feel so loved, wanted and appreciated. The teachers and staff make you feel protected and mkae sure you have everything you need. You are taught in serveral different ways, depending on what you need and they are willing to work with what you need. Here, you are taught more than just academics. You are taught to love and care for one another. To protect, and serve. To be the best person you can be. Socially, academically, and mentally. I love North Buncombe and Buncombe County, so much. We are like family here . <3
    Read 25 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 44 Total Schools
    • 24,522 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Forsyth County Schools

    • School District
    • Winston Salem, NC
    • 75
    15 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: What I liked the most about Forsyth County Schools was the environment. School has always been a positive experience for me and I think part of the reason I enjoyed it so much has been because of how welcoming, accepting, and dedicated all my instructors have been. They always offered extra help if needed and taught with passion and a positive attitude. I believe what I would like to see changed if anything would be promoting more clubs and after school activities that get students equipped for college. Overall I really enjoyed attending Forsyth County schools and would recommend to everyone!
    Read 75 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80 Total Schools
    • 54,984 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Catawba County Schools

    • School District
    • Newton, NC
    • 22
    16 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Parent: Academics are great! Good curriculum. Counselors need to be more involved with students and communications need to be open with parents regarding students grades. Should meet with seniors monthly.
    Read 22 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28 Total Schools
    • 16,641 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Henderson County Schools

    • School District
    • Hendersonville, NC
    • 18
    17 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Sophomore: When it comes to Henderson County schools, I would describe them as, well-maintained, high-achiving, and extremely diverse. I love almost all of the teachers! All of the teachers are extremely well educated, and very motivated to seeing the success and prosperity of their students! The only thing that I would change about this unique school system, is the amount of "life" education. It would be nice to learn how to fill out a check, balance a check book, apply for scholarships, buy a house, get a job, or fill out an important application. Otherwise, the Henderson County school system is extremely well organized, and extremely successful in all aspects of school (sociality, academics, athletics, etc...).
    Read 18 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23 Total Schools
    • 13,668 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Wilkes County Schools

    • School District
    • North Wilkesboro, NC
    • 12
    18 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: It's amazing and very clean, the people are really nice! I like how the students accept one another and they come together so well. They are really supportive to one another and never let differences hinder the connection between students. I'm very glad I got a chance to attend Wilkes county schools.
    Read 12 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22 Total Schools
    • 9,994 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  25. New Hanover County Schools

    • School District
    • Wilmington, NC
    • 38
    19 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: My high school experience was great. I thought E.A. Laney was a great school with even better teachers. Athletics were awesome and it was a blast playing with and against other schools.
    The one thing I dislike is the equality of sports. Football brings in the most profit to schools, but I think that other sports should be treated more fairly. I played soccer in high school and my coaches couldn't afford to get us team t-shirts or even extra practice cones. It was a very tight budget. Yet football players get more special treatment. Some of the food is donation, but they also host large fundraisers, get their players quality sports attire they are able to keep, and get huge pep rally's. I understand football is a great tradition sport to bring in money and get the school together! But they do get special care from faculty compared to less income sports and maybe if the same attention was given to the other sports, even they could get the school greater income during their seasons, too.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 42 Total Schools
    • 26,192 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Rutherford County Schools

    • School District
    • Forest City, NC
    • 17
    20 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: Growing up in RC Schools, I noticed that some schools were given opportunities that other weren't. There was some favoritism shown by officials of one school over others. However, I was given various opportunities throughout my school life to excel and work my way to a prestigious university. The teachers I had were more than wonderful, giving me all the information and knowledge I needed to get where I am today.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18 Total Schools
    • 8,527 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Clinton City Schools

    • School District
    • Clinton, NC
    • 8
    21 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: I think they could've prepared us a little better for college. Some of the staff could've been more involved with the students and actually showed an interest in their learning. There were many teachers who loved to actually cared about the well being of the students. I enjoyed the activities and events the schools held. I think they are a little behind in the education curriculum. Overall, my experience was awesome.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 3,189 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Guilford County Schools

    • School District
    • Greensboro, NC
    • 114
    22 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: Being a war survivor from Monrovia, Liberia and being blessed to come to the America 14 years ago.Guilford County schools are where my education started! My first school in America was Hunter elementary, I would later go to Guilford middle and western Guilford high school. From my kindergarten teachers teaching me how to read and write.All the way up to my high school teachers, teaching me how to properly write essays.Teachers throughout my grade school years have been not only well educated to give students the best education they can get, but really care about their student's futures. The changes that would improve Guilford County schools are more life perpetration courses. I would also like to see more school events focused on keeping the peace and treating others kindly.Along with healthier food options with these things, I feel that Guilford county schools can be even better for current and future students.
    Read 114 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 126 Total Schools
    • 73,133 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  29. Review Your School

  30. Dare County Schools

    • School District
    • Nags Head, NC
    • 7
    23 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    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 7 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11 Total Schools
    • 5,092 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  31. Newton Conover City Schools

    • School District
    • Newton, NC
    • 11
    24 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Sophomore: I have had the best years of my life attending Newton-Conover High School. Now that I'm here, I couldn't imagine myself attending any other school. My teachers are great, I have many friends from all different backgrounds and have the opportunity to join many clubs. I know that I'm on the right path for college when I step through the doors every morning. I feel safe at my high school, knowing my peers and teachers have my back. Newton-Conover has Chromebooks in every room, which makes online learning super convenient. Not only does Newton-Conover provide a great academic environment, but also extracirrulars that build strong qualities to better individuals. I have made countless unforgettable memories playing soccer under the lights with friends by my side and my family in the stands. At Newton-Conover club members are expected to serve others in the community before we serve ourselves. Newton-Conover High School is where dreams can become a reality.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 3,159 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Cleveland County Schools

    • School District
    • Shelby, NC
    • 18
    25 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: I was a student in the Cleveland County School system for 7 years, and it was a nice experience for the most part. Most teachers were engaging and often knew a to beyond just the subject they were teaching. The each school zone was unique and had its own flair. Something I would like to see changed would be how scholarship opportunities are being presented. I attended Cleveland County Early College Highschool. The students were told about scholarships, but they would often be too specfic, so only a hand full could apply. Another problem was not having time to apply for them. Between taking highschool classes, college classes and extracurricular activites, time was limited.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29 Total Schools
    • 15,484 Students
    View Nearby Homes
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