2022 Best school districts in North Carolina

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: What I really enjoy about the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School district is the community and family that you have the opportunity to build within it. When you move along from one stage of schooling to the next, you don't lose teachers, you gain friends, and mentors that check up on you and truly care about what you are doing, and how your life is progressing! This school district is also very supportive of the needs of students and pushes them towards success in as many ways possible. With implemented programs like the 504 plans and Avid, the school doesn't push the needs of an atypical student aside, they embrace them. If I could address one change in our school district it would be to shrink the achievement gap deficit between children of different backgrounds.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 20

• Students 11,926

• Columbus, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.44 out of 5  9 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 9 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,154

• Monroe, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  157 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience in the Union County District. I use to go to Central Academy of Technology and Arts from freshman to sophomore year (2017-2019). Personally, I wouldn't change a thing. The only reason that I left is because I had a change in my career choice and I found CPCC's Dual Enrolled program to benefit me more. I would recommend any Union Country School to anyone!... Read 157 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 52

• Students 41,707

• Boone, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  16 reviews

Junior: I have enjoyed attending this high school. The school is filled with good students and teachers. I feel safe in the environment that I am in. The school custodians do a good job at keeping the school clean. I have seen that most teachers care about their students. I have felt that there are certain teachers that would help me with anything in a heartbeat. While Watauga High School has provided an overall good experience there are a couple of things that could be improved. I have struggled with connecting with my counselors. I know that they have many students to look after but I wish that I felt like they cared more. I also feel that I had trouble finding a club to join. The only reason that I found a club was because one of my friends told me. Beforehand I had no idea that the club existed. Overall Watauga High School is a great school. I am thankful that I have a good school!... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 11

• Students 4,563

• 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

• Total schools 10

• Students 4,300

• Mooresville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  48 reviews

Senior: Not only do I love all Mooresville campuses, but the community is also amazing! I have grown up in Mooresville and have been in MGSD schools since kindergarten. The classroom sizes are great and the teachers are amazing! Also, the office staff and counselors make every student feel welcomed. The new high school campuses are huge and great, my personal favorites are the new gigantic gymnasium and lunch room. I wouldn't choose any other highschool to attend in my area than Mooresville!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,993

• 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 minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,670

• Cary, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  506 reviews

Alum: Wake County Schools provided me with incredible opportunities when I was in attendance. Coming out of homeschool and into a public high school, I did not know what to expect. Thankfully, I got more than I could ask for. I had particularly rich instruction in music, which I keep using to this day! Although teachers could have been given more resources at their disposal, they certainly did well with what they had. Ultimately, quality education is what I received. Many teachers invest a lot in their students at a great sacrifice. Thank you for all you do, Wake County!... Read 506 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 192

• Students 163,404

• 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 minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,888

• 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 minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,239

• Lincolnton, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  28 reviews

Freshman: Lincoln County Schools is a very interesting school district. The educational system is great, giving everyone an opportunity to learn something new each day. The teachers are all very nice and interactive with their students. The diversity though is on the rougher side. The sports teams here are fantastic and are great to students who are hoping to lead a life involved with sports. Overall, a great county with lovely people.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 23

• Students 11,252

• Dobson, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.54 out of 5  26 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 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 20

• Students 7,589

• Nags Head, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  14 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 14 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 11

• Students 5,250

• Beaufort, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  20 reviews

Freshman: I am a student at Carteret community college. This is a very good school. The staff is very helpful, the teachers are great. They really strive for your success and advocate for your education. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to go here. I currently attend here on a grant and i have been searching for extra money to help me in my education to pay for a laptop and other expenses because I am homeless. I have a 3.7 GPA though, and they help as much as they can for me to succeed.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 18

• Students 7,843

• 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 1,919

• Wilmington, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: In high school, my teachers let me interview guest speakers because they said I was a great speaker. In middle school, I was awarded the Kathren Miller award because my teachers noticed I understood the importance of being kind. Most importantly, in middle school, my math and social studies teachers entered me and a group of my peers into a quiz bowl. We won two years in a row. I love the teachers at the schools I attended in New Hanover County!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 43

• Students 25,938

• Concord, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  120 reviews

Senior: Spending k-12 years of education in Cabarrus Country School System, you get to experience many pros compared to cons. Everyday, there is a sense of inclusiveness that is provided from the teachers and staff. The county itself is full of diversity which allows for students to intermingle of all races and living styles. As I grew older and made it to high school, life was good and it kept getting better. I love the events that were held after school hours. These dances, football games, and volunteer opportunities allow for it to seem a little more like High School Musical! Cabarrus county schools has attempted its very best during Covid-19 in trying to allow some sort of normality. In person classes are optional 2 days a week which is so beneficial because it allows people to choose if this is best fit for them. They have also found ways for sports to occur with limited in person attendance. This was important being a senior athlete that I would get to finish strong.... Read 120 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 42

• Students 33,658

• Hendersonville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: My family moved to North Carolina in April of 2019. That's right, 8 weeks before the end of my junior year. Hendersonville High has really tried to make me feel at home and a part of the school! The school has lots of activities especially for the senior class. At a medieval banquet this year I finally felt a part of things and am now excited about graduating with the class of 2020.... Read 28 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 23

• Students 13,396

• Hillsborough, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: My experience at the Orange Country Schools systems was excellent. The teachers and staff were very helpful. When I had any problems with learning new and old information they went the extra mile to ensure my success. I enjoy the warm and inviting energy when you walk in the building each day. I love the fact that all the teachers know you by first name and want to help you even after you finish their class at Cedar Ridge High School. The school board always make adjustment towards our school systems, They always informed me and my family about any issues going on at school. When our safety was in jeopardy, the school helped us feel safe each time when we walk into the school. I do not want to change anything about the school system. If I could add 20 more teachers I would.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 13

• Students 7,074

• Asheville, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: Very good schools system with amazing role models and educators. For the time that I've been in buncombe county schools all I have to say is positive feedback. The teachers are amazing and they have a an amazing variety of classes for everyone. The only downside I would put is they don't teach much about how to live on your own in the real world, along with how to apply for college and what you need.... Read 49 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 44

• Students 23,669

• Newton, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  49 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 49 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 28

• Students 15,575

• Morganton, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.26 out of 5  42 reviews

Junior: I like burke county schools because we have lots of opportunities with college classes through community college, we also have great sports rivalries making it fun to be a part of the school community. I'm fortunate to go to a well-kept up school with great teachers who care about their students and what they want to do with their future.... Read 42 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 26

• Students 11,733

• Shelby, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: Overall the Cleveland County School District was a very good one! Throughout my years there I have really enjoyed my teachers and appreciate the care they give to myself and my classmates! I have been taught not only the required classes but so many more life lessons from my teachers and sports coaches. The only thing that I personally didn’t like were a FEW teachers that you could tell were only there for their check and not because they truly care for the students.... Read 23 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 30

• Students 14,584

• Pittsboro, NC•

• School District

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  27 reviews

Senior: Great diversity within the schools, great outreach for low-income families. The county could use better outreach and education when it comes to mental health and mental illnesses.... Read 27 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 19

• Students 9,196

• 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 11

• Students 4,529