For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 3,554 students in Caldwell County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Caldwell County, NC are Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and Hibriten High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Caldwell County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Caldwell County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Caldwell County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 83%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Caldwell Early College, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Caldwell County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Caldwell Early College
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2859 Hickory Blvd Sw
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4636
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4636
Gr: 9-13 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2857 Hickory Boulevard
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4640
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4640
Gr: 9-12 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Hibriten High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1350 Panther Trail Se
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-7376
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-7376
Gr: 9-12 | 811 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
South Caldwell High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7035 Spartan Drive
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 396-2188
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 396-2188
Gr: 9-12 | 1,299 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #55.
West Caldwell High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 W Caldwell Drive
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-5583
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-5583
Gr: 9-12 | 687 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #66.
Gateway School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1889 Dudley Shoals Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
(828) 396-8373
Granite Falls, NC 28630
(828) 396-8373
Gr: 6-12 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: n/an/a
332 Greenhaven Dr Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Gr: 4-12 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Caldwell County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
4603 Oak Hill School Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6128
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6128
Gr: PK-8
125 Maple Drive Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-5161
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-5161
Gr: 3-5 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
<麻豆果冻传媒 class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Caldwell County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Caldwell County, NC include Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and Hibriten High School.
How many public high schools are located in Caldwell County?
7 public high schools are located in Caldwell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Caldwell County?
Caldwell County public high schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Caldwell County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Caldwell County include: West Caldwell High School vs. South Caldwell High School, Caldwell Early College vs. Hibriten High School, Hibriten High School vs. South Caldwell High School