For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,708 students in Newton, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 61 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Newton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Newton, NC are Fred T Foard High School, Discovery High School and Jacobs Fork Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Newton, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Newton have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Newton, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fred T Foard High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3407 Plateau Road
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1496
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1496
Gr: 9-12 | 930 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Discovery High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
301 West 18th St
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 466-5581
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 466-5581
Gr: 9-12 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #33.
Jacobs Fork Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3431 Plateau Road
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1827
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1827
Gr: 7-8 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Balls Creek Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2620 Balls Creek Road
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4766
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4766
Gr: PK-6 | 686 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Startown Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4119 Startown Road
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-1257
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-1257
Gr: PK-6 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #66.
Blackburn Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4377 W Nc 10 Hwy
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1344
Newton, NC 28658
(704) 462-1344
Gr: K-6 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #77.
Newton-conover High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
338 W 15th Street
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 465-0920
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 465-0920
Gr: 9-12 | 724 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #88.
North Newton Elementary School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
221 West 26th St
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-2631
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-2631
Gr: K-5 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #99.
South Newton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
306 West I Street
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4061
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4061
Gr: PK-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Newton, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Newton, NC include Fred T Foard High School, Discovery High School and Jacobs Fork Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Newton?
9 public schools are located in Newton.
What percentage of students in Newton go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Newton are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Newton?
Newton public schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Newton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Newton include: South Newton Elementary School vs. Balls Creek Elementary School, South Newton Elementary School vs. Blackburn Elementary School, Blackburn Elementary School vs. Balls Creek Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.