Cleveland County Schools & Education
Cleveland County, North Carolina
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
88.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,603
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#60
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Cleveland County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Cleveland County, North Carolina
Diverse Educational Facilities and Large Enrollment
Cleveland County supports a large network of 29 public schools serving over 15,500 students. This infrastructure includes 15 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools, along with specialized and alternative education centers.
Stable Performance and Competitive Rates
The county maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, matching the North Carolina state average and beating the national benchmark. With a school score of 51.6, the county provides solid academic results while spending $6,603 per pupil.
Major District and Charter Options
Cleveland County Schools is the primary district with 14,406 students across 28 schools. Additionally, Pinnacle Classical Academy operates as a large charter school, serving 1,132 students and providing a distinct alternative for families.
A Varied Locale Mix
Cleveland's schools are spread across town, rural, and suburban settings, reflecting the county's diverse geography. Kings Mountain High is the largest campus with 1,236 students, contributing to an average school size of 536.
Find Your Community in Cleveland
With a wide range of schools in town and suburban settings, Cleveland County offers many options for home-buying families. Whether you prefer the large campus of Kings Mountain or a charter alternative, this county has a place for you.
School Overview
Total Schools
29
in Cleveland County
Total Enrollment
15,538
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Cleveland County
Cleveland County Schools
Pinnacle Classical Academy
29 Public Schools in Cleveland County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Mountain High | Cleveland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,236 |
| Pinnacle Classical Academy | Pinnacle Classical Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 1,132 |
| Crest High | Cleveland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,114 |
| Burns High | Cleveland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 934 |
| Crest Middle | Cleveland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 849 |
| Shelby High | Cleveland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 825 |
| Burns Middle | Cleveland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 734 |
| Kings Mountain Middle | Cleveland County Schools | 7–8 | Middle | 712 |
| Shelby Middle | Cleveland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 630 |
| Kings Mountain Intermediate | Cleveland County Schools | 5–6 | Middle | 627 |
| Elizabeth Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 569 |
| Springmore Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 553 |
| Boiling Springs Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 549 |
| Township Three Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 529 |
| Bethware Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 515 |
| Fallston Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 456 |
| Jefferson Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 429 |
| Union Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 423 |
| Washington Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 415 |
| James Love Elementary | Cleveland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 350 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,603
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cleveland County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cleveland County, North Carolina?
Cleveland County supports a large network of 29 public schools serving over 15,500 students. This infrastructure includes 15 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools, along with specialized and alternative education centers.
How do schools in Cleveland County perform academically?
The county maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, matching the North Carolina state average and beating the national benchmark. With a school score of 51.6, the county provides solid academic results while spending $6,603 per pupil.
What are the major school districts in Cleveland County, North Carolina?
Cleveland County Schools is the primary district with 14,406 students across 28 schools. Additionally, Pinnacle Classical Academy operates as a large charter school, serving 1,132 students and providing a distinct alternative for families.
What is the school experience like in Cleveland County?
Cleveland's schools are spread across town, rural, and suburban settings, reflecting the county's diverse geography. Kings Mountain High is the largest campus with 1,236 students, contributing to an average school size of 536.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cleveland County, North Carolina?
With a wide range of schools in town and suburban settings, Cleveland County offers many options for home-buying families. Whether you prefer the large campus of Kings Mountain or a charter alternative, this county has a place for you.
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.