For the 2025 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 85%, which is equal to the North Carolina average of 85%.
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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 9-13
| 329 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 215 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 811 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 1,299 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 687 students
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
Grades: 6-12
| 62 students
Rank: n/an/a
332 Greenhaven Dr Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Grades: 4-12
| 151 students
Caldwell County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
4603 Oak Hill School Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6128
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6128
Grades: PK-8
| n/a students
125 Maple Drive Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-5161
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-5161
Grades: 3-5
| 133 students
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: Caldwell Early College vs. Hibriten High School, West Caldwell High School vs. South Caldwell High School, West Caldwell High School vs. Hibriten High School
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