For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 2,564 students in 28601, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in 28601, NC are Saint Stephens High School, Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School and Hickory High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public high schools in zipcode 28601 have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in 28601, NC have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Public high school in zipcode 28601 have a Graduation Rate of 82%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Hickory High School, with 84% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28601, NC Public High Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Saint Stephens High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3205 34th Street Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9841
Grades: 9-12
| 1,298 students
Rank: #22.
Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
409 8th Avenue Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-6738
Grades: 9-12
| 232 students
Rank: #33.
Hickory High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1234 3rd Street Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-5860
Grades: 9-12
| 1,034 students
28601, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
S Campus 420 North Center St
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 345-5807
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 345-5807
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in 28601, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in 28601, NC include Saint Stephens High School, Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School and Hickory High School.
How many public high schools are located in 28601?
3 public high schools are located in 28601.
What is the racial composition of students in 28601?
28601 public high schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.