For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 2,668 students in Wilkes County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Wilkes County, NC are Wilkes Early College High School, Wilkes Central High School and West Wilkes High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilkes County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 84% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Wilkes County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public high schools.
Wilkes County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is East Wilkes High School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Wilkes County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wilkes Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1328 S Collegiate Dr
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-6247
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-6247
Gr: 9-13 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Wilkes Central High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1179 Moravian Falls Rd
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-5277
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-5277
Gr: 9-12 | 719 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
West Wilkes High School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6598 Boone Trail
Millers Creek, NC 28651
(336) 903-6710
Millers Creek, NC 28651
(336) 903-6710
Gr: 9-12 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
East Wilkes High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
13315 Elkin Hwy 268
Ronda, NC 28670
(336) 651-7200
Ronda, NC 28670
(336) 651-7200
Gr: 9-12 | 469 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
North Wilkes High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2986 Traphill Rd
Hays, NC 28635
(336) 903-4040
Hays, NC 28635
(336) 903-4040
Gr: 9-12 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Wilkes County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Wilkes County, NC include Wilkes Early College High School, Wilkes Central High School and West Wilkes High School.
How many public high schools are located in Wilkes County?
5 public high schools are located in Wilkes County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wilkes County?
Wilkes County public high schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Wilkes County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Wilkes County include: West Wilkes High School vs. Wilkes Central High School, Wilkes Central High School vs. West Wilkes High School, Wilkes Early College High School vs. West Wilkes High School
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