The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a county which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 22%
32%
Avg. Statewide: 27%
Top Ranked Counties With Best Public Schools in North Carolina (2025)
County
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
32%
(19 out of 59)
(19 out of 59)
- Central Academy Of Technology And Arts
Rank: #7 of 2,617 (Top 1%)
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%) - Union County Early College
Rank: #9 of 2,617 (Top 1%)
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%) - Weddington High School
Rank: #11 of 2,617 (Top 1%)
(Math: 94% | Reading: 93%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Union County, NC Schools
Rank: #22.
28%
(11 out of 40)
(11 out of 40)
- Chapel Hill High School
Rank: #59 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85%) - East Chapel Hill High School
Rank: #87 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 86%) - Carrboro High School
Rank: #97 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-84%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Orange County, NC Schools
Rank: #33.
22%
(54 out of 244)
(54 out of 244)
Recent Articles

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.