For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 2,285 students in Dare County, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC are Manteo High School, Bear Grass Charter School and First Flight High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dare County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Dare County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Dare County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is First Flight 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 22% 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 Dare County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Manteo High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
829 Wingina Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5841
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5841
Grades: 9-12
| 530 students
Rank: #22.
Bear Grass Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6344 E Bear Grass Rd
Waves, NC 27982
(252) 789-1010
Waves, NC 27982
(252) 789-1010
Grades: 6-12
| 451 students
Rank: #33.
First Flight High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 449-7000
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 449-7000
Grades: 9-12
| 913 students
Rank: #44.
Cape Hatteras Secondary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
48576 Highway 12
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-5730
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-5730
Grades: 6-12
| 363 students
Rank: #55.
Dare Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 480-8888
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 480-8888
Grades: 9-12
| 28 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Dare County, NC include Manteo High School, Bear Grass Charter School and First Flight High School.
How many public high schools are located in Dare County?
5 public high schools are located in Dare County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dare County?
Dare County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% 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 Dare County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Dare County include: First Flight High School vs. Manteo High School, Manteo High School vs. First Flight High School, Cape Hatteras Secondary School vs. Manteo High School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.