For the 2025 school year, there are 94 blue ribbon public schools serving 47,879 students in North Carolina.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top ranked blue ribbon public schools in North Carolina are Brown Summit Middle School, Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy and Highland Sch Of Technology. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
North Carolina blue ribbon public schools have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Blue Ribbon Public Schools in North Carolina (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brown Summit Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥99% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
4720 Nc Highway 150 East
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Gr: 6-8 | 238 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 98%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
5225 Seventy-seven Center Dr
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Gr: K-8 | 398 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Highland Sch Of Technology
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1600 N Morris Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 810-8816
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 810-8816
Gr: 9-12 | 528 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Nesbitt Discovery Academy
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
175 Bingham Rd Ste 10
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 271-4521
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 271-4521
Gr: 9-12 | 379 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Central Academy Of Technology And Arts
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
600 Brewer Dr
Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 296-3088
Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 296-3088
Gr: 9-12 | 846 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #66.
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1307 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 715-1155
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 715-1155
Gr: 9-12 | 560 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #77.
Brunswick County Early College
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
50 College Road Ne
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 756-5030
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 756-5030
Gr: 9-13 | 322 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #88.
Providence High School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1800 Pineville-matthews Rd
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-5390
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-5390
Gr: 9-12 | 2,126 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Early College At Guilford
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
5608 West Friendly Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 316-2860
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 316-2860
Gr: 9-12 | 192 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Haywood Early College
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
185 Freedlander Drive
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Gr: 9-13 | 170 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #1111.
J D Clement Early College High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1801 Fayetteville Street, Nccu
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 560-2696
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 560-2696
Gr: 9-12 | 386 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1212.
Riverbend Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
71 Learning Lane
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 627-6565
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 627-6565
Gr: K-5 | 201 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1313.
Providence Spring Elementary School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10045 Providence Church Ln
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6935
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6935
Gr: K-5 | 596 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #1414.
Wrightsville Beach Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
220 Coral Drive
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
(910) 256-3171
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
(910) 256-3171
Gr: K-5 | 273 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1515.
Weddington Middle School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5903 Deal Road
Matthews, NC 28104
(704) 296-6318
Matthews, NC 28104
(704) 296-6318
Gr: 6-8 | 1,403 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #1616.
Sampson Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1801 Sunset Ave
Clinton, NC 28329
(910) 900-4046
Clinton, NC 28329
(910) 900-4046
Gr: 9-13 | 206 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #1717.
Psrc Early College At Rcc
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5160 Fayetteville Road
Lumberton, NC 28360
(910) 737-5232
Lumberton, NC 28360
(910) 737-5232
Gr: 9-13 | 214 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #1818.
Cross Creek Early College
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1200 Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(910) 500-7551
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(910) 500-7551
Gr: 9-12 | 252 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Davis Drive Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2151 Davis Drive
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-2130
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-2130
Gr: K-5 | 820 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Davis Drive Middle School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2101 Davis Drive
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-3033
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-3033
Gr: 6-8 | 997 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #2121.
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 | 329 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #2222.
Greensboro Academy
Charter School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4049 Battleground Ave
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 286-8404
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 286-8404
Gr: K-8 | 768 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #2323.
Rutherford Early College High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
286 Icc Loop Road
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 288-2202
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 288-2202
Gr: 9-13 | 202 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
Hawk Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9201 Bryant Farms Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5927
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5927
Gr: PK-5 | 801 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
Union Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
180 Union School Road Nw
Shallotte, NC 28470
(910) 756-5900
Shallotte, NC 28470
(910) 756-5900
Gr: K-5 | 603 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #26 - 2826. - 28.
Mcdowell Early College
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Gr: 9-13 | 198 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #26 - 2826. - 28.
Pender Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
100 East Industrial Drive
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 362-7925
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 362-7925
Gr: 9-13 | 188 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #26 - 2826. - 28.
Stem Early College Nc A&t Su
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
402 Laurel Street
Greensboro, NC 27411
(336) 370-8580
Greensboro, NC 27411
(336) 370-8580
Gr: 9-12 | 194 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #2929.
Jay M. Robinson Middle School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5925 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6944
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6944
Gr: 6-8 | 1,330 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #3030.
Southeastern Academy
Charter School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12251 Nc Hwy 41 North
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 738-7828
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 738-7828
Gr: K-8 | 218 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #3131.
Rock Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6605 Rock Ridge School Rd
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7955
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7955
Gr: K-5 | 449 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #3232.
Dr Hubert Eaton Sr Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6701 Gordon Road
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 397-1544
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 397-1544
Gr: K-5 | 448 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #3333.
Glenn C Marlow Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1985 Butler Bridge Road
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 654-3225
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 654-3225
Gr: K-5 | 557 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #3434.
Hendersonville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1039 Randall Circle
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(828) 697-4752
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(828) 697-4752
Gr: K-5 | 334 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #3535.
Beverly Woods Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6001 Quail Hollow Rd
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-3627
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-3627
Gr: K-5 | 649 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Show 59 more public schools in North Carolina (out of 94 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked blue ribbon public schools in North Carolina?
The top ranked blue ribbon public schools in North Carolina include Brown Summit Middle School, Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy and Highland Sch Of Technology.
How many blue ribbon public schools are located in North Carolina?
94 blue ribbon public schools are located in North Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in North Carolina?
North Carolina blue ribbon public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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