Caldwell County Schools & Education
Caldwell County, North Carolina
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,674
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#45
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Caldwell County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Caldwell County, North Carolina
Established Education in the Foothills
Caldwell County manages 25 public schools, including 15 elementary and 6 high schools, for a total of 10,946 students. These schools are primarily organized under 2 districts, providing stable coverage for the region. The infrastructure includes two alternative schools to support diverse learning paths.
Academic Success Meets State Benchmarks
Caldwell County's graduation rate of 89.0% sits above both the state average of 88.0% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,674, which closely aligns with the North Carolina average of $6,969. The resulting composite school score of 52.3 matches the state average, indicating consistent quality.
Caldwell County Schools Leads the Way
Caldwell County Schools is the central district, overseeing 24 schools and 10,758 students. Oak Hill Charter School provides a smaller alternative with 188 students, representing the county's only charter option. This focused district structure ensures a unified educational strategy across the county.
A Balanced Mix of Rural and Suburban Schools
The county features an even split between rural and suburban settings, with 10 schools in each, plus 5 in city locales. South Caldwell High is the largest campus with 1,317 students, while the average school size is 438 students. This variety allows families to choose between larger comprehensive high schools and smaller neighborhood elementary campuses.
Finding Your Place in Caldwell's School Zones
With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Caldwell County offers a reliable environment for families. Homes near South Caldwell High or high-performing elementary schools like Hudson remain popular choices for local buyers. Consider the diverse locale options, from rural to suburban, when selecting your next home in this area.
School Overview
Total Schools
25
in Caldwell County
Total Enrollment
10,946
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
4% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Caldwell County
Caldwell County Schools
Oak Hill Charter School
25 Public Schools in Caldwell County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Caldwell High | Caldwell County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,317 |
| Hibriten High | Caldwell County Schools | 9–12 | High | 843 |
| West Caldwell High | Caldwell County Schools | 9–12 | High | 753 |
| Hudson Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 654 |
| Granite Falls Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 582 |
| Hudson Middle | Caldwell County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 581 |
| Granite Falls Middle | Caldwell County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 537 |
| William Lenoir Middle | Caldwell County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 509 |
| Gamewell Middle | Caldwell County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 506 |
| Gamewell Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 495 |
| Davenport A+ School | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 464 |
| Dudley Shoals Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 437 |
| Caldwell Early College | Caldwell County Schools | 9–UG | High | 396 |
| Lower Creek Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 392 |
| Baton Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 368 |
| Collettsville School | Caldwell County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 334 |
| Sawmills Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 331 |
| Whitnel Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 300 |
| Valmead Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 287 |
| Happy Valley Elementary | Caldwell County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 222 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,674
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Caldwell County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Caldwell County, North Carolina?
Caldwell County manages 25 public schools, including 15 elementary and 6 high schools, for a total of 10,946 students. These schools are primarily organized under 2 districts, providing stable coverage for the region. The infrastructure includes two alternative schools to support diverse learning paths.
How do schools in Caldwell County perform academically?
Caldwell County's graduation rate of 89.0% sits above both the state average of 88.0% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,674, which closely aligns with the North Carolina average of $6,969. The resulting composite school score of 52.3 matches the state average, indicating consistent quality.
What are the major school districts in Caldwell County, North Carolina?
Caldwell County Schools is the central district, overseeing 24 schools and 10,758 students. Oak Hill Charter School provides a smaller alternative with 188 students, representing the county's only charter option. This focused district structure ensures a unified educational strategy across the county.
What is the school experience like in Caldwell County?
The county features an even split between rural and suburban settings, with 10 schools in each, plus 5 in city locales. South Caldwell High is the largest campus with 1,317 students, while the average school size is 438 students. This variety allows families to choose between larger comprehensive high schools and smaller neighborhood elementary campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Caldwell County, North Carolina?
With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Caldwell County offers a reliable environment for families. Homes near South Caldwell High or high-performing elementary schools like Hudson remain popular choices for local buyers. Consider the diverse locale options, from rural to suburban, when selecting your next home in this area.
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.