Item: Catawba County Schools
Rating: 7
Author: �鶹������ý

Home > North Carolina > Catawba County

Catawba County Schools

2285 North Anderson Avenue
Newton, NC 28658-1000

( shown in map)

Top 50%

Tel: (828) 464-8333

<�鶹��ý class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">Top Rankings

Catawba County Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Carolina for:

Category

Attribute

Community Size

Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 5,301 students in Catawba County Schools. This district's average high is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public high schools in North Carolina.

Public High Schools in Catawba County Schools have an score of 78% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and score of 61% (versus the 58% statewide average).

Public High School in Catawba County School have a of 87%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.

The school with highest graduation rate is Challenger Early College High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.

Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="overview">Overview

This School District

This State (NC)

# Schools

28 Schools

758 Schools

# Students

15,880 Students

565,236 Students

# Teachers

1,007 Teachers

33,421 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

16:1

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="student-by-grade">Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
Pre-K	67	1
9	1,413	392
10	1,362	359
11	1,299	334
12	1,160	297

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="district-rank">District Rank

Catawba County Schools, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 320 school districts in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 86% has decreased from 92% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (NC)

#119 out of 325 school districts
(Top 50%)

View Data

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools
2023	#119
2022	#119
2021	#100
2019	#114
2018	#107
2017	#142
2016	#120
2015	#107
2014	#103
2013	#99
2012	#87

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(21-22)

59%

51%

View Data

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2022	59%	51%
2021	54%	42%
2019	45%	42%
2018	46%	48%
2017	48%	47%
2016	49%	47%
2015	48%	44%
2014	45%	43%
2013	41%	42%
2012	87%	82%
2011	87%	82%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

51%

50%

View Data

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2022	51%	50%
2021	51%	47%
2019	48%	46%
2018	46%	47%
2017	45%	46%
2016	47%	47%
2015	48%	46%
2014	47%	46%
2013	45%	45%
2012	76%	73%
2011	73%	70%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

71%

63%

View Data

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2022	71%	63%
2021	68%	61%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(21-22)

86%

View Data

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2022	86%	86%
2021	87%	85%
2020	89%	86%
2019	89%	85%
2018	92%	86%
2017	91%	88%
2016	90%	88%
2015	90%	87%
2014	91%	86%
2013	91%	85%
2012	89%	83%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="students-by-ethnicity">Students by Ethnicity:

0.60

0.70

View Data

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	0.58	0.71
2022	0.57	0.70
2021	0.56	0.69
2020	0.55	0.68
2019	0.55	0.68
2018	0.52	0.67
2017	0.52	0.67
2016	0.51	0.66
2015	0.49	0.66
2014	0.49	0.65
2013	0.48	0.65
2012	0.47	0.64
2011	0.47	0.64
2010	0.45	0.61
2009	0.44	0.61
2008	0.42	0.61
2007	0.41	0.60
2006	0.41	0.58
2005	0.40	0.58
2004	0.39	0.57
2003	0.37	0.56
2002	0.35	0.55
2001	0.33	0.53
2000	0.30	0.53
1999	0.27	0.52
1998	0.25	0.52
1997	0.23	0.50
1996	0.22	0.50
1995	0.20	0.49
1994	0.19	0.48
1993	0.18	0.48
1992	0.17	0.48
1991	0.17	0.48

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

n/a

% Asian

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	7%	4%
2022	7%	4%
2021	7%	4%
2020	7%	3%
2019	7%	3%
2018	7%	3%
2017	7%	3%
2016	7%	3%
2015	7%	3%
2014	8%	3%
2013	7%	3%
2012	7%	3%
2011	7%	2%
2010	8%	3%
2009	8%	2%
2008	9%	3%
2007	9%	3%
2006	8%	2%
2005	8%	2%
2004	8%	2%
2003	8%	2%
2002	7%	2%
2001	7%	2%
2000	6%	2%
1999	6%	2%
1998	5%	2%
1997	4%	1%
1996	4%	1%
1995	3%	1%
1994	2%	1%
1993	2%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

19%

20%

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	19%	20%
2022	19%	20%
2021	18%	19%
2020	17%	18%
2019	17%	18%
2018	17%	17%
2017	17%	17%
2016	16%	16%
2015	15%	16%
2014	13%	15%
2013	13%	14%
2012	12%	13%
2011	12%	13%
2010	10%	11%
2009	9%	11%
2008	9%	11%
2007	9%	10%
2006	7%	8%
2005	7%	8%
2004	6%	7%
2003	5%	6%
2002	5%	5%
2001	4%	4%
2000	3%	4%
1999	2%	3%
1998	2%	3%
1997	2%	2%
1996	1%	2%
1995	1%	2%
1994	1%	1%
1993	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

24%

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	6%	25%
2022	6%	25%
2021	6%	25%
2020	6%	25%
2019	6%	25%
2018	5%	26%
2017	5%	26%
2016	5%	26%
2015	6%	26%
2014	5%	26%
2013	5%	26%
2012	5%	26%
2011	6%	26%
2010	10%	31%
2009	10%	31%
2008	7%	29%
2007	7%	29%
2006	9%	32%
2005	9%	31%
2004	9%	31%
2003	8%	31%
2002	8%	31%
2001	8%	31%
2000	8%	31%
1999	7%	31%
1998	7%	30%
1997	7%	31%
1996	7%	31%
1995	7%	30%
1994	7%	30%
1993	7%	30%
1992	7%	30%
1991	7%	30%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

60%

45%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	61%	44%
2022	62%	45%
2021	63%	46%
2020	64%	48%
2019	64%	48%
2018	67%	49%
2017	67%	49%
2016	68%	50%
2015	68%	50%
2014	70%	51%
2013	71%	52%
2012	72%	53%
2011	71%	53%
2010	72%	54%
2009	73%	54%
2008	75%	55%
2007	75%	56%
2006	76%	56%
2005	76%	57%
2004	77%	58%
2003	79%	59%
2002	80%	60%
2001	81%	61%
2000	83%	61%
1999	85%	62%
1998	86%	63%
1997	87%	64%
1996	88%	64%
1995	89%	65%
1994	90%	66%
1993	90%	66%
1992	91%	66%
1991	91%	66%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

% Two or more races

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	7%	6%
2022	6%	5%
2021	6%	5%
2020	6%	5%
2019	6%	5%
2018	4%	4%
2017	4%	4%
2016	4%	4%
2015	4%	4%
2014	4%	4%
2013	4%	4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

<�鶹��ý class="so-dt-title" id="district-revenue-and-spending">District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $10,638 in this school district is less than the state median of $11,192. The school district revenue/student has grown by 6% over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $10,571 is less than the state median of $11,617. The school district spending/student has grown by 5% over four school years.

This School District

This State (NC)

Total Revenue

$169 MM

$17,307 MM

View Data

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$169 MM	$8 MM
2022	$159 MM	$8 MM
2021	$169 MM	$8 MM
2020	$159 MM	$8 MM
2019	$159 MM	$8 MM
2018	$149 MM	$8 MM
2017	$145 MM	$8 MM
2016	$144 MM	$8 MM
2015	$163 MM	$18 MM
2014	$138 MM	$10 MM
2012	$143 MM	$17 MM
2011	$165 MM	$19 MM
2010	$163 MM	$18 MM
2009	$183 MM	$19 MM
2008	$160 MM	$18 MM
2007	$157 MM	$18 MM
2006	$144 MM	$15 MM
2005	$153 MM	$15 MM
2004	$121 MM	$17 MM
2003	$126 MM	$17 MM
2002	$113 MM	$16 MM
2001	$117 MM	$17 MM
2000	$108 MM	$20 MM
1999	$99 MM	$23 MM
1998	$85 MM	$26 MM
1997	$77 MM	$34 MM
1996	$76 MM	$34 MM
1995	$69 MM	$32 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$168 MM

$17,964 MM

View Data

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$168 MM	$8 MM
2022	$160 MM	$8 MM
2021	$168 MM	$8 MM
2020	$160 MM	$8 MM
2019	$161 MM	$7 MM
2018	$149 MM	$8 MM
2017	$147 MM	$9 MM
2016	$148 MM	$8 MM
2015	$151 MM	$18 MM
2014	$148 MM	$11 MM
2012	$148 MM	$16 MM
2011	$152 MM	$17 MM
2010	$151 MM	$18 MM
2009	$174 MM	$18 MM
2008	$152 MM	$17 MM
2007	$146 MM	$18 MM
2006	$147 MM	$15 MM
2005	$129 MM	$15 MM
2004	$112 MM	$16 MM
2003	$106 MM	$17 MM
2002	$107 MM	$15 MM
2001	$118 MM	$17 MM
2000	$110 MM	$20 MM
1999	$107 MM	$24 MM
1998	$87 MM	$26 MM
1997	$76 MM	$36 MM
1996	$78 MM	$33 MM
1995	$75 MM	$32 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$10,638

$11,192

View Data

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$10,775	$10,093
2022	$9,960	$9,918
2021	$10,846	$10,282
2020	$9,960	$9,918
2019	$9,908	$9,125
2018	$9,108	$9,419
2017	$8,761	$10,522
2016	$8,674	$9,128
2015	$9,640	$10,864
2014	$8,160	$9,046
2012	$8,220	$10,562
2011	$9,503	$12,703
2010	$9,385	$10,864
2009	$10,313	$11,105
2008	$9,058	$11,767
2007	$8,934	$9,479
2006	$8,349	$9,335
2005	$8,972	$8,913
2004	$7,298	$8,734
2003	$7,568	$8,577
2002	$6,886	$8,130
2001	$7,193	$7,294
2000	$6,791	$7,636
1999	$6,421	$7,252
1998	$5,721	$5,688
1997	$5,239	$5,690
1995	$5,084	$5,545
1992	$4,648	$4,737

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$10,571

$11,617

View Data

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Catawba County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$10,707	$9,807
2022	$10,025	$9,654
2021	$10,778	$9,990
2020	$10,025	$9,654
2019	$10,050	$8,949
2018	$9,109	$9,637
2017	$8,860	$11,583
2016	$8,864	$9,753
2015	$8,918	$10,591
2014	$8,763	$9,388
2012	$8,543	$10,336
2011	$8,777	$11,927
2010	$8,682	$10,591
2009	$9,763	$10,880
2008	$8,630	$11,136
2007	$8,304	$9,418
2006	$8,566	$8,813
2005	$7,552	$8,647
2004	$6,755	$8,413
2003	$6,368	$8,886
2002	$6,510	$7,903
2001	$7,243	$7,301
2000	$6,958	$7,650
1999	$6,929	$7,340
1998	$5,817	$5,663
1997	$5,205	$6,040
1995	$5,513	$5,570
1992	$4,641	$4,725

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best Catawba County Schools Public High Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Bandys High School

(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 69%)
:

10/

Top 10%

Add to Compare

5040 E Bandys Road
Catawba, NC 28609
(828) 241-1471

Gr: 9-12 | 923 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 19%

Rank: #22.

Fred T Foard High School

(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 63%)
:

Top 20%

Add to Compare

3407 Plateau Road
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1496

Gr: 9-12 | 956 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 27%

Rank: #33.

Maiden High School

(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 59%)
:

Top 20%

Add to Compare

600 West Main Street
Maiden, NC 28650
(828) 428-8197

Gr: 9-12 | 879 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%

Rank: #44.

Saint Stephens High School

(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 54%)
:

Top 30%

Add to Compare

3205 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841

Gr: 9-12 | 1,298 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 53%

Rank: #55.

Bunker Hill High School

(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 50-54%)
:

Top 30%

Add to Compare

4675 Oxford School Road
Claremont, NC 28610
(828) 241-3355

Gr: 9-12 | 883 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 46%

Rank: #66.

Challenger Early College High School

(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥95%)
:

Top 30%

Add to Compare

2550 Hwy 70 Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980

Gr: 9-12 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 61%

Rank: #77.

Catawba Rosenwald Education Center

Special Education School

(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10% )
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

403 6th Ave Sw
Catawba, NC 28609
(828) 241-2734

Gr: K-12

�鶹��ý Articles

January 31, 2026

Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today

An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.

January 31, 2026

The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today

Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.

January 30, 2026

Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026

Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.

Quick Facts (2026)

District size: 28 schools
Grades: PK-12
Enrollment: 15,880 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Minority Enrollment: 40%
: 86% (Top 50% in NC)
: Top 50%
: 59% (Top 30%)
: 51% (Top 50%)
: 71% (Top 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education