For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 2,507 students in Hillsborough, NC. The top ranked public middle schools in Hillsborough, NC are The Expedition School, Eno River Academy and Orange Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hillsborough, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Hillsborough have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Hillsborough, NC (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
The Expedition School
Charter School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
437 Dimmocks Mill Rd Ste 33
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-8432
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-8432
Gr: K-8 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Eno River Academy
Charter School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1212 Nc Highway 57 North
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Gr: K-12 | 810 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Orange Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
308 Orange High Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6121
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6121
Gr: 6-8 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Orange County Schools Online Academy
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
920 Corporate Dr
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-8126
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-8126
Gr: K-12 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 182:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #55.
A L Stanback Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3700 Nc 86 South
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-3200
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-3200
Gr: 6-8 | 625 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Hillsborough, NC?
The top ranked public middle schools in Hillsborough, NC include The Expedition School, Eno River Academy and Orange Middle School. Hillsborough has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in North Carolina.
How many public middle schools are located in Hillsborough?
5 public middle schools are located in Hillsborough.
What is the racial composition of students in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough public middle schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Hillsborough are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Hillsborough include: Orange Middle School vs. A L Stanback Middle School, A L Stanback Middle School vs. Orange Middle School, The Expedition School vs. Eno River Academy
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