News Summary
The 2025 rankings for North Carolina’s high schools have been released, showcasing the top 10 institutions, including a mix of public and private schools. While five schools hail from the Triangle area, concerns remain over the state’s low public school funding. The rankings consider various metrics, highlighting the outstanding achievements of schools such as the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics. As the education landscape navigates funding challenges, these results reflect the excellence present in the state’s high schools and the need for improvement in funding efforts.
North Carolina’s High Schools Shine in 2025 Rankings
Get ready, North Carolina! Exciting news is here as the top high schools for 2025 have just been revealed, and there’s plenty to discuss. With 1,069 high schools in the state, it’s no small feat to make the top 10 list. So let’s jump right into the highlights and learn more about these outstanding institutions.
Top 10 Schools – A+ Performers
First off, all of the top 10 high schools received A+ overall scores. However, it’s important to point out that only three of these schools are public institutions. This reflects a larger conversation about the disparity in funding between public and private schools in North Carolina. The Triangle area is well-represented in these rankings, boasting five of the top schools. Exciting times for residents in Durham, Cary, and Raleigh!
Funding Challenges Ahead
While the rankings may paint a hopeful picture for education, there’s some concerning news on the funding front. A recent report highlights that North Carolina ranks an unfortunate 48th in funding level and 49th in funding effort for public schools. These numbers are calculated by examining state and local funding per student, carefully taking the cost of living into account. Furthermore, the funding effort gauges how education funding measures against the state’s gross domestic product. It’s a clear wake-up call for many.
How Are These Rankings Determined?
So how did these high schools earn their spots? The process includes metrics from the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on important factors such as state test scores, graduation rates, and feedback from students and parents. It’s a comprehensive approach to highlight excellence in education! In previous assessments, North Carolina was ranked No. 33 among states for the best and worst school systems, raising questions about the impact of funding disparities.
Spotlight on the Top Schools
Let’s shine a spotlight on some standout schools in this top tier. Topping the list is the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics in Durham. This incredible school caters to 975 students in grades 11-12 and is renowned for its college prep and STEM education. If you’re looking for excellence in public high school education, this is the place to be!
Next up is Cary Academy, a private institution in Cary that boasts a student-teacher ratio of just 8 to 1. With 789 students in grades 6-12, it’s the first private school on the list, focusing on rigorous academics. Meanwhile, Durham Academy also shines in the rankings, being another private school with an admirable student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1, taking the title of second-best private high school.
More Notable Mentions
Other noteworthy schools include Providence Day School in Charlotte, which ranks second among private K-12 schools with a larger student body of 1,947 and a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1. Also noteworthy is Salem Academy, an all-girls school in Winston-Salem, recognized as the best boarding high school. With only 70 students and a super small 3 to 1 ratio, it’s clear they offer a very personalized experience.
Let’s not forget about Raleigh Charter High School and Early College at Guilford, both public schools making strong showings in the rankings. Raleigh Charter ranks first in charter high schools, and Early College is not only a top magnet school but also ranks highly among college prep public high schools.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the rankings of North Carolina’s high schools in 2025 speak volumes about the excellence that exists within the education system, despite the ongoing concerns regarding funding and resources. With a mix of public and private schools demonstrating outstanding achievements, parents and students alike have plenty to be excited about as they look ahead to the coming academic years. Here’s to hoping that funding issues will be addressed in the future, allowing every student in North Carolina to thrive.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Education Funding in North Carolina
- Sports Illustrated: High School Basketball Player of the Week
- The Robesonian: Public Listening Sessions with NC Supt. of Public Instruction
- News Observer: Education Rankings in North Carolina
- WCNC: Ardrey Kell High School Bathroom Threats
- Wikipedia: Education in North Carolina
- Google Search: North Carolina high school rankings
- Google Scholar: North Carolina education funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: North Carolina high schools
