For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 6,315 students in Denver, NC (there are , serving 332 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Denver, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Denver, NC are Rock Springs Elementary School, Lincoln Charter School and Catawba Springs Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Denver, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Denver have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Denver, NC (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rock Springs Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3633 Hwy 16 N
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-2281
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-2281
Gr: PK-5 | 647 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
7834 Galway Lane
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-6611
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-6611
Gr: K-12 | 2,272 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Catawba Springs Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
206 North Little Egypt Rd
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1895
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1895
Gr: PK-5 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
St. James Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1774 St James Church Road
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1958
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1958
Gr: PK-5 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #55.
East Lincoln High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6471 Hwy 73
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1860
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1860
Gr: 9-12 | 1,090 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #66.
North Lincoln Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1503 Amity Church Road
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-0262
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-0262
Gr: 6-8 | 751 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
West Lake Preparatory Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1691 Forney Creek
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 966-2202
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 966-2202
Gr: K-8 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Denver, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Denver, NC include Rock Springs Elementary School, Lincoln Charter School and Catawba Springs Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Denver?
7 public schools are located in Denver.
What percentage of students in Denver go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Denver are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Denver?
Denver public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Denver are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Denver include: West Lake Preparatory Academy vs. Lincoln Charter School, Catawba Springs Elementary School vs. St. James Elementary School, Rock Springs Elementary School vs. St. James Elementary School
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