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2019 Best School Districts in North CarolinaAbout this List

The 2019 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
    • 32
    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 32 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
    • 88
    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 88 Reviews

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

  5. Polk County Schools

    • School District
    • Columbus, NC
    • 6
    4 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

  6. Wake County Schools

    • School District
    • Cary, NC
    • 249
    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 249 Reviews

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

  7. Asheville City Schools

    • School District
    • Asheville, NC
    • 12
    6 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 12 Reviews

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

    Woodberry Forest School

    • Private School
    • Woodberry Forest, VA
    • 9-12
    • 22

    Senior: Totally prepares you for college courses and college life! The teachers really work with you and care about you. The campus is 1200 acres, truly amazing. It's an all boys school grades 9-12 with about 100 boys per grade. It's boarding students only (no day) so your friends are with you all the time.
    Read 22 Reviews

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

  9. Elkin City Schools

    • School District
    • Elkin, NC
    • 6
    7 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

  10. Mooresville City Schools

    • School District
    • Mooresville, NC
    • 12
    8 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

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 6,130 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Henderson County Schools

    • School District
    • Hendersonville, NC
    • 19
    9 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 19 Reviews

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

  13. Dare County Schools

    • School District
    • Nags Head, NC
    • 9
    10 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 9 Reviews

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

  14. Orange County Schools

    • School District
    • Hillsborough, NC
    • 24
    11 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 24 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 7,627 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Newton Conover City Schools

    • School District
    • Newton, NC
    • 13
    12 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 13 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 3,159 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  16. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 8

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 8 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Cabarrus County Schools

    • School District
    • Concord, NC
    • 57
    13 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 57 Reviews

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

  18. Burke County Schools

    • School District
    • Morganton, NC
    • 14
    14 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: In the Burke County school system, parents are encouraged to be hands-on during the child's education. The family involvement is great and they even have nights dedicated to it. Many times throughout the school year, the parents are invited to school functions, to meet with teachers and more. Burke County prides itself on its family involvement. The administration aspect could be improved. Before attending the school that I do now, the administration office was very relaxed and you had to reach out to them for everything. Once they knew of the problem, they fixed it or dealt with it very fast, but that initial reach towards them was difficult.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27 Total Schools
    • 12,780 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Davie County Schools

    • School District
    • Mocksville, NC
    • 19
    15 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: Overall, my experience with Davie County Schools has been a positive one. Most of the teachers are friendly and have interesting and engaging classes. The teachers, students, and staff are all welcoming. The cafeteria food is sub-par, but other amenities are available at the high school. The high school is lacking in academic clubs. However, there are community service clubs. Even though the arts department gets limited funding, the choral, musical theater, dance, and band programs are all very good. I would recommend going to Davie County Schools because the academics are above average with opportunities to take classes at the community college, take AP classes, and take classes online, the teachers want each and every one of their students to succeed, there are extracurricular activities available for students and athletes, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 12 Total Schools
    • 6,317 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Graham County Schools

    • School District
    • Robbinsville, NC
    • 2
    16 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: The teachers and faculty at Graham County Schools give 100% to their students and always put them first. They are continually improving and I would not change one thing about them.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 1,225 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Mount Airy City Schools

    • School District
    • Mount Airy, NC
    • 4
    17 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

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

  24. Carteret County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Beaufort, NC
    • 14
    18 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 14 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17 Total Schools
    • 8,472 Students
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  25. Chatham County Schools

    • School District
    • Pittsboro, NC
    • 15
    19 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: I loved that Chatham County Schools were willing to offer AP and honors courses, despite the strain it put on the schools. There are only three high schools in the county, and the one I went to had to alternate AP Bio and AP Chem years because there weren't enough teachers. But they still did it.

    I didn't like the "senior day" idea. It was basically elementary school field day... with Bojangles and yearbooks as well. Um, no.

    However, I felt that the schools could have done better with getting students ready for college. The only students who cared about their education were in the AP and honors courses. Those in the standard classes were often loud, disruptive, etc. There was no follow through, that I saw, for those who were being rowdy and disruptive because they came right back.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18 Total Schools
    • 8,690 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Caldwell County Schools

    • School District
    • Lenoir, NC
    • 22
    20 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: Being a student in Caldwell County has been a great experience. The close-knit environment is always welcoming and everyone you pass greets you nicely. Considering everyone knows everyone, it makes the schools more in tune with the students and their ability to teach in a great manner is on a whole different level than other places. Kids want to learn and what to do great in schools, I wouldn't change a thing!
    Read 22 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26 Total Schools
    • 12,124 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Buncombe County Schools

    • School District
    • Asheville, NC
    • 25
    21 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

  28. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

    • School District
    • Charlotte, NC
    • 261
    22 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Alum: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has provided so many technological advancements that other counties cannot provide to their students, such as SMART boards, Chromebooks, laptops, cameras, and much more. In terms of teachers, CMS works very hard to make sure teachers are exceeding qualifications and making sure that the teachers are encouraging their students to do their best! One of the best parts about CMS is the inclusion and diversity in schools. CMS makes sure that there is intermingling between people of different backgrounds so that the community is a better place. One of the drawbacks to CMS is transportation. There are not enough buses to accommodate the number of students enrolled in the county and the buses that the county currently owns are fairly old. If the county could improve on transporation, then CMS would be getting all 5 stars from me!
    Read 261 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 170 Total Schools
    • 146,211 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  29. Review Your School

  30. Forsyth County Schools

    • School District
    • Winston Salem, NC
    • 79
    23 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 79 Reviews

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

  31. Macon County Schools

    • School District
    • Franklin, NC
    • 8
    24 Best School Districts in North Carolina

    Senior: I wish we could have better clubs and activities, and instead of spending all of the budget on football maybe giving more to the academic clubs or foundations. Also, more funding for the other schools instead of just the high school would be greatly appreciated. Overall, very nice teachers and staff.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11 Total Schools
    • 4,397 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Catawba County Schools

    • School District
    • Newton, NC
    • 22
    25 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
  33. Sponsored

    Roanoke Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Roanoke, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 52

    Senior: Roanoke Catholic is a school that teaches students belong the classroom and prepares them for either college. In the past years, 100 percent of Catholic seniors have attended college and this year the seniors have received over 2.5 million in scholarships. I started Roanoke Catholic two years ago and it was a big change coming from public school. In public schools you could slide by without doing your homework, but at Roanoke Catholic all work is required and graded as a test grade. Roanoke Catholic does not let you fall through the cracks. I also must say the food is outstanding!!
    One thing I really did not like were the uniforms. In public school you basically wore what you want, but not in private school. My first year the gentlemen had to wear a shirt and tie during the winter and in the summer a polo shirt with the school’s logo and khaki pants or shorts. This year they changed the dress code to where gentlemen could wear the polo shirt and khaki pants all year around.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 483 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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