For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,807 students in 28638, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in 28638, NC are Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and South Caldwell High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public high schools in zipcode 28638 have an average math proficiency score of 83% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in 28638, NC have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public high schools.
Public high school in zipcode 28638 have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Caldwell Early College, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28638, NC Public High Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Caldwell Early College
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2859 Hickory Blvd Sw
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4636
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4636
Gr: 9-13 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2857 Hickory Boulevard
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4640
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4640
Gr: 9-12 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
South Caldwell High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7035 Spartan Drive
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 396-2188
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 396-2188
Gr: 9-12 | 1,272 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in 28638, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in 28638, NC include Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and South Caldwell High School.
How many public high schools are located in 28638?
3 public high schools are located in 28638.
What is the racial composition of students in 28638?
28638 public high schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.