Burke County Schools & Education
Burke County, North Carolina
School Score
43/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,212
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
43/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#32
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Burke County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Burke County, North Carolina
Comprehensive Infrastructure for the Foothills
Burke County operates 29 public schools, including 15 elementary and 6 high schools, serving 12,366 students. The system is managed by 3 districts and includes specialized facilities like special education and alternative schools. This structure ensures that diverse learning needs are met across the county's varied terrain.
Leading the Region in Graduation Success
Burke County achieves an exceptional 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 88.0% and the national 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,212, the county maintains a strong composite school score of 52.9. These results indicate a highly efficient educational system that prioritizes student completion.
Burke County Schools and Specialized Districts
Burke County Schools is the primary district, serving 11,770 students across 27 schools. The county also hosts the unique Deaf and Blind Schools district, which provides essential services to 146 students. The New Dimensions School operates as the county's sole charter, offering choice to 535 students.
Balanced Suburban and Rural Learning
Schools are evenly distributed among suburban, rural, and city locales, providing a versatile geographic mix for families. Freedom High stands as the largest campus with 1,414 students, while many elementary schools maintain a more intimate feel. The average school size is 426 students, reflecting a community-oriented approach to education.
Build Your Life Near High-Performing Schools
Families are drawn to Burke County for its 92% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state. Properties near Freedom High or Mountain View Elementary offer proximity to some of the county's most significant educational assets. Prioritizing these high-performing zones can lead to both educational success and strong home value retention.
School Overview
Total Schools
29
in Burke County
Total Enrollment
12,366
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Burke County
Burke County Schools
The New Dimensions School
Deaf and Blind Schools
29 Public Schools in Burke County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom High | Burke County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,414 |
| East Burke High | Burke County Schools | 9–12 | High | 879 |
| Robert L. Patton High School | Burke County Schools | 9–12 | High | 752 |
| Jimmy C Draughn High School | Burke County Schools | 9–12 | High | 682 |
| Mountain View Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 677 |
| East Burke Middle | Burke County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 645 |
| New Dimensions | The New Dimensions School | KG–8 | Charter | 535 |
| Valdese Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 521 |
| Table Rock Middle | Burke County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 502 |
| Walter R Johnson Middle | Burke County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 465 |
| Liberty Middle | Burke County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 457 |
| Ray Childers Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 457 |
| Heritage Middle | Burke County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 453 |
| Drexel Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 438 |
| Salem Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 401 |
| Oak Hill Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 327 |
| Hildebran Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 320 |
| George Hildebrand Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 318 |
| W A Young Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 306 |
| Hillcrest Elementary | Burke County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 284 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,212
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Burke County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Burke County, North Carolina?
Burke County operates 29 public schools, including 15 elementary and 6 high schools, serving 12,366 students. The system is managed by 3 districts and includes specialized facilities like special education and alternative schools. This structure ensures that diverse learning needs are met across the county's varied terrain.
How do schools in Burke County perform academically?
Burke County achieves an exceptional 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 88.0% and the national 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,212, the county maintains a strong composite school score of 52.9. These results indicate a highly efficient educational system that prioritizes student completion.
What are the major school districts in Burke County, North Carolina?
Burke County Schools is the primary district, serving 11,770 students across 27 schools. The county also hosts the unique Deaf and Blind Schools district, which provides essential services to 146 students. The New Dimensions School operates as the county's sole charter, offering choice to 535 students.
What is the school experience like in Burke County?
Schools are evenly distributed among suburban, rural, and city locales, providing a versatile geographic mix for families. Freedom High stands as the largest campus with 1,414 students, while many elementary schools maintain a more intimate feel. The average school size is 426 students, reflecting a community-oriented approach to education.
How can I find homes near good schools in Burke County, North Carolina?
Families are drawn to Burke County for its 92% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state. Properties near Freedom High or Mountain View Elementary offer proximity to some of the county's most significant educational assets. Prioritizing these high-performing zones can lead to both educational success and strong home value retention.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.