20 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina – 2024

May 11, 2024

For many students, finding the ideal high school is just as important as scoping out the right university. Especially for students whose academic interests are defined early, public high schools that offer specialized curriculums are a big draw. At these campuses, students not only prepare for the next step in their academic careers but also develop relevant skillsets which translate well at a collegiate level. North Carolina is a beautiful state known for its natural beauty, like the Great Smoky Mountains and Outer Banks. The Biltmore Estate is also located in North Carolina, and, having toured the estate myself, I can say that it’s definitely worth the visit! But North Carolina is also home to some of the best public high schools. From general public high schools to STEM-focused campuses, the best public high schools in North Carolina are well-equipped to foster a wide variety of student interests.

Additionally, the best public high schools in North Carolina are close to some of the top-rated universities in the country. With UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and Wake Forest consistently topping the list of national highly-ranked universities. Some may debate the difference between private schools, especially in more populous cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. However, public schools are equally equipped to provide rigorous academics. Attending one of the best public high schools in North Carolina can help set students up for success on their college applications, no matter which college institution they choose.

Best Public High Schools in North Carolina (cont’d)

When assembling this list, we reviewed several factors. These factors include the school’s statewide—or North Carolina High Schools—ranking (out of 366), the number of students who passed at least one AP exam, average SAT and ACT scores, and graduation rate.

Additionally, we reviewed the College Readiness Index of each school. The College Readiness Index calculates values for schools based on student performance on both state-required tests and AP/IB exams.

Furthermore, we will provide a list to some of the universities that alumni of these high schools chose to attend. There are many impressive four-year colleges on this list, so you’ll want to keep reading to discover what these high-ranking schools and students accomplished.

Finally, while this list is selective, it is important to note that the order of the schools does not necessarily indicate a further ranking.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 20 of the best public schools in North Carolina to see how they help prepare high schoolers for the next step in their academic careers.

1) The Early College at Guilford – Greensboro, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #1
College Readiness Index: 100
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 100%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Average SAT Score: 1470
Average ACT Score: 33
Total Enrollment: 197
Senior Enrollment: 46
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Minority Enrollment: 62.9%

Highlights: Impressively, this high school is rated as #1 in the state for college curriculum breadth and state assessment proficiency. Additionally, the school earned top ratings for its teachers, college prep, and overall academics. A STEM-focused school, this campus recently had 16 students place as National Merit finalists.

After graduation, students continue on to enroll in many prestigious four-year institutions. Some recent examples of college acceptances include Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Wake Forest, Yale, and UCLA.

2) Raleigh Charter High School – Raleigh, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #5
College Readiness Index: 86.6
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 84%
Graduation Rate: 99%
Average SAT Score: 1380
Average ACT Score: 31
Total Enrollment: 559
Senior Enrollment: 131
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Minority Enrollment: 50.4%

Highlights: With 79% of faculty holding advanced degrees, this high school earned top ratings for its teachers and academics. With 11 National Merit Semi-Finalists and 9 National Recognition Awards, the class of 2024 already solidified themselves as an impressive cohort.

When it comes to grade distribution, the average unweighted GPA at this high school is 3.63. The average weighted GPA is 4.11. With high GPAs like this, it’s no wonder 90% of the class of 2023 chose to attend 4-year colleges after graduation.

3) Green Level High School – Cary, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #4
College Readiness Index: N/A
Passed at Least One AP Exam: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Average SAT Score: 1390
Average ACT Score: 31
Total Enrollment: 1,936
Senior Enrollment: 378
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Minority Enrollment: 56.1%

Highlights: With a wide variety of AP courses to choose from, students can select a subject to match any of their interests. From biology and calculus to French and music theory, there are 22 AP courses available. Additionally, students can partake in dual enrollment through Wake Tech Community College.

After graduation, seniors have continued on to both local and national schools. For example, recent graduates have been accepted to Appalachian State, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, North Carolina Tech, and Savannah College of Art and Design.

4) Onslow Early College High School – Jacksonville, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #3
College Readiness Index: 82.2
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 77%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Average SAT Score: 1250
Average ACT Score: 28
Total Enrollment: 189
Senior Enrollment: 48
Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
Minority Enrollment: 30.5%

Highlights: While in their freshmen and sophomore years, students will take one college class a semester. By the time students are juniors, they will take all college-level courses. Impressively, students can not only work toward a high school diploma but also an Associate Degree simultaneously.

When it comes time to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree, seniors have many wonderful options to choose from. Recent graduates from this high school have attended The New School (NYC), Georgia Tech, Columbia, and Harvard. Additionally, graduates have also served in the Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, and Army National Guard.

5) Marvin Ridge High School – Waxhaw, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #14
College Readiness Index: 59.5
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 55%
Graduation Rate: 99%
Average SAT Score: 1330
Average ACT Score: 29
Total Enrollment: 2,032
Senior Enrollment: 466
Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
Minority Enrollment: 32.4%

Highlights: With the opportunity to enroll in AP & IB level classes, this high school earned top marks for its academics and college prep. Plus, students have many opportunities to partake in a variety of student-led organizations. For example, students can join the French Honor Society, Robotics Club, Model UN, Photography club, and more.

For the class of 2023, 88% of students reported they planned to attend a four-year institution. In fact, the class of 2023 broke a record for the highest dollar amount of scholarships awarded to a graduating class!

6) Ardrey Kell High School – Charlotte, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #10
College Readiness Index: 67
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 64%
Graduation Rate: 97%
Average SAT Score: 1310
Average ACT Score: 29
Total Enrollment: 3,494
Senior Enrollment: 813
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Minority Enrollment: 51.3%

Highlights: Considered one of the largest high schools in the state, Ardrey Kell is committed to student success. Ranked highly for its academics, this high school offers 19 AP courses and 9 honor societies. Additionally, the school has a focus on community service. Students can join the Knights in Action to complete at least twenty-five hours of community service each academic year.

After graduation, students continue on to a variety of four-year institutions. For example, students have attended UNC Charlotte, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, and Georgetown.

7) Panther Creek High School – Cary, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #12
College Readiness Index: 67.7
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 65%
Graduation Rate: 99%
Average SAT Score: 1340
Average ACT Score: 29
Total Enrollment: 2,326
Senior Enrollment: 498
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Minority Enrollment: 69%

Highlights: At this high school, there are 27 AP course offerings. Students are able to take advantage of classes such as AP Latin, Spanish Literature, Music Theory, Psychology, and more. Overall, students also tend to score well on these exams. Of the seniors who opted to take an AP exam, 84% scored 3+.

Students from this high school continue on to attend wonderful colleges. Some examples of these college acceptances include UNC Chapel Hill, Baylor, and Boston University.

8) Green Hope High School – Cary, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #26
College Readiness Index: 62.2
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 59%
Graduation Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: 1350
Average ACT Score: 30
Total Enrollment: 2,070
Senior Enrollment: 525
Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Minority Enrollment: 50.4%

Highlights: With honors courses offered in all academic areas, this high school also offers a large selection of AP courses. Students are able to take advanced placement Spanish, Physics, Comparative Government & Politics, and Computer Science, among others. In addition to high rankings in academics, this high school also earned top marks for its student activities and college prep.

After graduation, students are able to attend great universities. For examples, students have continued on to George Washington University, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Chapel Hill.

9) William G. Enloe High School – Raleigh, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #30
College Readiness Index: 65.7
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 62%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Average SAT Score: 1350
Average ACT Score: 30
Total Enrollment: 2,416
Senior Enrollment: 488
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Minority Enrollment: 63.8%

Highlights: This high school is rated as the best magnet school in the Raleigh area, and as the fourth best magnet school in the state. With high ratings in college prep, teachers, and academics, this high school offers both AP and IB courses.

Students here can enjoy a wide range of extracurriculars. For example, students can join the Japanese club, the spring musical, or take part in varsity-level athletics.

10) Highland School of Technology – Gastonia, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #8
College Readiness Index: 49.6
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 44%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Average SAT Score: 1220
Average ACT Score: 26
Total Enrollment: 533
Senior Enrollment: 131
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Minority Enrollment: 36.4%

Highlights: A magnet school located in a small city, this high school ranks highly for its academics and college prep. Here, students choose one of three academies: Business, Legal & Information Sciences Academy; Health Sciences Academy; or Manufacturing/Engineering Technology & Graphics Academy. Each pathway holds its own set of requirements, and students have access to all necessary equipment for their practices.

Students can learn more about computer science, medical and dental sciences, engineering technologies, and graphic design. Along with these specialized courses, students also take regular core classes.

After graduation, students have attended colleges such as Appalachian State.

11) Martin L. Nesbitt Discovery Academy – Asheville, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #7
College Readiness Index: 47.1
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 41%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Average SAT Score: 1310
Average ACT Score: 29
Total Enrollment: 379
Senior Enrollment: 90
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Minority Enrollment: 17.2%

Highlights: This high school is a STEM-focused campus. To attend this school, students must first apply. The application process includes submitting a personal interest response, their final and in-progress grades, and end of 7th grade reading and math scores. Additionally, students must submit two recommendations from a STEM teacher and another staff member.

Post graduation, students have not only been accepted to but attended a variety of wonderful colleges. For example, students from this high school have attended Duke, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, UC Berkeley, and University of Health Science and Pharmacy in St. Louis.

12) Woods Charter School – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #9
College Readiness Index: 86.4
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 84%
Graduation Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: 1320
Average ACT Score: 30
Total Enrollment: 181
Senior Enrollment: 45
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Minority Enrollment: 26.8%

Highlights: Serving students from pre-K-12, this high school earns top marks for academics, teachers, and college prep. Notably, this school is rated #1 in the state for the best teachers at a public school. Additionally, this campus is rated as the second-best charter school in the state.

Alumni from this high school have continued on to excellent undergraduate institutions. Recent graduates from this school have been accepted to Penn State, American University, Emory, Oberlin College, and North Carolina Tech.

13) Community School of Davidson – Davidson, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #13
College Readiness Index: 61
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 57%
Graduation Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: 1220
Average ACT Score: 27
Total Enrollment: 527
Senior Enrollment: 134
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Minority Enrollment: 19.2%

Highlights: At this campus, students enroll from grades K-12. Rated highly for its teachers, the school is #5 in the state in this regard. With high test scores in subject proficiencies, the campus also earned top marks for its college prep.

Post graduation, students have attended many great colleges. For example, students have been accepted to Seattle University, Baylor, Brown, Texas A & M, and Michigan State.

14) Pine Lake Preparatory – Mooresville, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #15
College Readiness Index: 65.7
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 61%
Graduation Rate: 98%
Average SAT Score: 1230
Average ACT Score: 28
Total Enrollment: 677
Senior Enrollment: 164
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Minority Enrollment: 15.9%

Highlights: A tuition-free charter school, this campus serves students from K-12 grades. With high subject proficiency ratings, this high school is ranked highly for its academics and teachers. In fact, 57% of the students have advanced degrees.

From this high school, seniors have been accepted to many great colleges. For example, students have been accepted to Boston University, Duke, University of Mississippi, Stanford, and Purdue.

15) Central Academy of Technology and Arts – Monroe, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #17
College Readiness Index: 55.7
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 51%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Average SAT Score: 1260
Average ACT Score: 27
Total Enrollment: 809
Senior Enrollment: 191
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Minority Enrollment: 32%

Highlights: At this high school, students can focus on one of four major academic fields. For example, students can take focused curriculum in the fields of information systems, medical science, performing arts, pre-engineering, and transportation systems.

Opening in 2006, this high school is a magnet campus. Each year, students in 9^th and 10^th grades apply for a spot in one of the programs. A lottery system is used for all academies except for dance, theatre, and MPRA, which will be given admission based on audition.

16) Providence High School – Charlotte, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #18
College Readiness Index: 60.5
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 58%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Average SAT Score: 1310
Average ACT Score: 29
Total Enrollment: 2,025
Senior Enrollment: 484
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Minority Enrollment: 32.5%

Highlights: A Catholic college preparty school, this campus earned a high ranking for college prep and academics. Founded in 1955, this campus offers 20 AP courses and over 40 student clubs and organizations. For example, students can be part of Big Brother Big Sister, Academic Decathlon, and the National Honor Society.

After graduation, students have been accepted to great colleges such as UNC Chapel Hill and University of Georgia.

17) Crossroads FLEX High School – Cary, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #20
College Readiness Index: 57.7
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 53%
Graduation Rate: 98%
Average SAT Score: 1220
Average ACT Score: 27
Total Enrollment: 147
Senior Enrollment: 39
Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
Minority Enrollment: 23.1%

Highlights: Located in a mid-size city, this high school serves students from grades 9-12. At this high school, students have the opportunity to take AP courses. As well, students can also partake in a gifted program.

It is important to note that this school is a digital, hybrid/blended learning school. Essentially, students here learn both online and in-person. Core courses are usually taught in person, and electives are mostly online.

18) Philip J. Weaver Academy for Performing & Visual Arts and Advanced Technology – Greensboro, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #6
College Readiness Index: 86.1
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 82%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Average SAT Score: 1220
Average ACT Score: 27
Total Enrollment: 306
Senior Enrollment: 71
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Minority Enrollment: 42.2%

Highlights: A magnet school, students are able to study in multiple, practical disinclines. Students in grades 9-12 take a portion of the school day to take their Advanced Technology courses of choice. Students also participate in core classes, of which they can elect to take AP or honors-level courses. For arts, students can study acting, dancing, singing, and instrumentation.

Graduates from this high school have gone on to many impressive colleges. Some examples include Carnegie-Mellon, Boston Conservatory, Columbia, NC School of the Arts, NYU, Rutgers, and Stella Adler School of Acting.

19) Charlotte Engineering Early College – Charlotte, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #50
College Readiness Index: 59.1
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 54%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Average SAT Score: 1260
Average ACT Score: 27
Total Enrollment: 269
Senior Enrollment: 62
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Minority Enrollment: 73.2%

Highlights: Opening in 2014, this school serves students in grades 9-13 with a focus on engineering disciplines. Through a partnership program, students can take courses at UNC Charlotte. As well, students can also opt to earn their high school diploma over a five-year period. If students opt for the five-year path, they can also participate in work-based learning and internships.

The campus provides a small, intimate setting. In this case, students can have more one-on-one instruction. As well, the school provides a full Honors curriculum.

20) Chapel Hill High School – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Statewide Ranking: #25
College Readiness Index: 70
Passed at Least One AP Exam: 67%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score: 1340
Average ACT Score: 30
Total Enrollment: 1,505
Senior Enrollment: 324
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Minority Enrollment: 44.9%

Highlights: Rated highly for student organization, college prep and academics, this high school is located in a small city. Serving students grades 9-12, this high school earned top marks for its subject proficiency. In fact, the school scored higher than both the state and district in this regard.

Some popular student organizations include Girls Inspiring Future Tech, the International Thespian Society, and National Honors Society. Students can also partake in a variety of 27 AP courses.

Best Public High Schools in North Carolina – In review

Preparing for college starts in high school. Whether it be joining a variety of extracurriculars or opting for advanced classes, students should be aware of how their high school career will translate into their collegiate one.

Ultimately, there are many public high schools in North Carolina with shining credentials. As we can see, these public high schools come from many cities and suburbs across the state. For students looking at any major, there are a wide variety of public high schools in North Carolina that will prepare them well for the next step in their academic careers.

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Meghan Dairaghi

With a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing, Meghan has served as a writing tutor at the University of Missouri St. Louis and Maryville University. Additionally, Meghan has held editorial roles at River Styx and Boulevard, and was a prose reader at Farside Review. Most recently, her work has been featured in Belle Ombre, Flypaper Lit, and Mag 20/20, among others, and she was nominated for the Mary Troy Prize in Fiction.