For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 2,869 students in Hickory, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Hickory, NC are Saint Stephens High School, Challenger Early College High School and Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hickory, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Hickory have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public high schools.
Hickory, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is equal to the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Challenger Early College 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 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Hickory, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Saint Stephens High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3205 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Gr: 9-12 | 1,268 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Challenger Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2550 Hwy 70 Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Gr: 9-12 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
409 8th Avenue Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Gr: 9-12 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #44.
Hickory High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1234 3rd Street Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Gr: 9-12 | 1,024 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Hickory, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Hickory, NC include Saint Stephens High School, Challenger Early College High School and Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School.
How many public high schools are located in Hickory?
4 public high schools are located in Hickory.
What is the racial composition of students in Hickory?
Hickory public high schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Hickory are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Hickory include: Saint Stephens High School vs. Hickory High School, Hickory High School vs. Saint Stephens High School
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