Wilkes Central High School is a public high school located in Moravian Falls, North Carolina. It is a part of the Wilkes County Schools system. The school's enrollment is typically around 1,000 students.
Serving 737 students in grades 9-12, Wilkes Central High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-89% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 737 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wilkes Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Wilkes Central High School's student population of 737 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
737 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Year Founded
1951
Colors
Green, Gold, Forest Green
School Rankings
Wilkes Central High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wilkes Central High School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#393 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)80-89%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
27%
21%
Black
9%
25%
White
55%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wilkes Eagle
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wilkes Central High School's ranking?
Wilkes Central High School is ranked #393 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Wilkes Central High School often compared to?
Wilkes Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Wilkes High School, North Wilkes High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wilkes Central High School?
The graduation rate of Wilkes Central High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Wilkes Central High School?
737 students attend Wilkes Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Wilkes Central High School students are White, 27% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Wilkes Central High School?
Wilkes Central High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Wilkes Central High School offer ?
Wilkes Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Wilkes Central High School part of?
Wilkes Central High School is part of Wilkes County Schools School District.
School Reviews
Review Wilkes Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.