Cabarrus County Schools & Education
Cabarrus County, North Carolina
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,204
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#66
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Cabarrus County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Cabarrus County, North Carolina
Massive School System in a Growing Hub
Cabarrus County supports a large population of 42,353 students across 55 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 28 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 13 high schools. Six different districts manage these facilities, reflecting the county's complex and rapid suburban growth.
Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending
The county maintains a high 89.4% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $6,204 is below the state average of $6,969, the county still achieves a composite school score of 51.5. This performance demonstrates a high-output system managing large-scale student needs efficiently.
Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City Districts
Cabarrus County Schools is one of the state's largest districts, educating 34,810 students in 44 schools. Kannapolis City Schools adds significant capacity with 8 schools and 5,390 students. Four charter schools, including Carolina International School, offer additional alternatives for over 700 students.
Large-Scale High Schools and Locale Diversity
Educational life here is defined by large campuses, with West Cabarrus High serving over 1,800 students. The county offers a true mix of environments, with 22 city, 17 suburban, and 16 rural schools. With an average school size of 770 students, these campuses are bustling centers of academic and social activity.
Investing in Homes Near Academic Excellence
Homebuyers in Cabarrus County often prioritize areas served by the high-performing Cabarrus County Schools or Kannapolis City systems. Proximity to massive campuses like West Cabarrus or Cox Mill High is a major draw for families seeking comprehensive extracurriculars. Choosing a home here means joining a community that is actively expanding its educational horizons.
School Overview
Total Schools
55
in Cabarrus County
Total Enrollment
42,353
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
4
7% of total
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Cabarrus County
Cabarrus County Schools
Kannapolis City Schools
Carolina International School
Cabarrus Charter Academy
Concord Lake STEAM Academy
A.C.E. Academy
55 Public Schools in Cabarrus County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Cabarrus High | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,833 |
| Cox Mill High School | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,762 |
| A L Brown High | Kannapolis City Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,741 |
| Hickory Ridge High | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,720 |
| Central Cabarrus High | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,305 |
| Kannapolis Middle | Kannapolis City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,238 |
| Harris Road Middle | Cabarrus County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,235 |
| Northwest Cabarrus High | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,138 |
| Jay M Robinson High | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,080 |
| Cox Mill Elementary | Cabarrus County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 1,079 |
| Hickory Ridge Elementary | Cabarrus County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 1,042 |
| Concord High | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 984 |
| Roberta Road Middle | Cabarrus County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 961 |
| C C Griffin Middle | Cabarrus County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 959 |
| Weddington Hills Elementary | Cabarrus County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 937 |
| Hickory Ridge Middle | Cabarrus County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 935 |
| W R Odell Elementary | Cabarrus County Schools | 3–5 | Primary | 907 |
| Mount Pleasant High | Cabarrus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 902 |
| Patriots Elementary | Cabarrus County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 901 |
| Charles E Boger Elementary | Cabarrus County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 870 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,204
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cabarrus County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cabarrus County, North Carolina?
Cabarrus County supports a large population of 42,353 students across 55 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 28 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 13 high schools. Six different districts manage these facilities, reflecting the county's complex and rapid suburban growth.
How do schools in Cabarrus County perform academically?
The county maintains a high 89.4% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $6,204 is below the state average of $6,969, the county still achieves a composite school score of 51.5. This performance demonstrates a high-output system managing large-scale student needs efficiently.
What are the major school districts in Cabarrus County, North Carolina?
Cabarrus County Schools is one of the state's largest districts, educating 34,810 students in 44 schools. Kannapolis City Schools adds significant capacity with 8 schools and 5,390 students. Four charter schools, including Carolina International School, offer additional alternatives for over 700 students.
What is the school experience like in Cabarrus County?
Educational life here is defined by large campuses, with West Cabarrus High serving over 1,800 students. The county offers a true mix of environments, with 22 city, 17 suburban, and 16 rural schools. With an average school size of 770 students, these campuses are bustling centers of academic and social activity.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cabarrus County, North Carolina?
Homebuyers in Cabarrus County often prioritize areas served by the high-performing Cabarrus County Schools or Kannapolis City systems. Proximity to massive campuses like West Cabarrus or Cox Mill High is a major draw for families seeking comprehensive extracurriculars. Choosing a home here means joining a community that is actively expanding its educational horizons.
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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.