Union County Schools & Education
Union County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
45/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
93.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,994
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
45/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#29
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Union County
School Verdict
Union County performs at an average level with a school score of 45/100 and a solid graduation rate of 93.0%.
Funding Context
At $5,994 per pupil, Union County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Union County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 13% above the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 5.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 14% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Union County, North Carolina
Expansive Education Options in Union
Union County features a robust network of 57 public schools serving a large population of 45,622 students. The system includes 31 elementary, 9 middle, and 13 high schools, supported by 6 distinct school districts. This extensive infrastructure provides diverse choices for families across the region.
Strong Results Despite Lean Spending
The county maintains a high 93.0% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the state average of 88.0%. Interestingly, Union achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,994, which is lower than both the state average of $6,969 and the national benchmark of $13,000. The composite school score of 52.9 aligns closely with the state average.
District Leaders and Charter Choices
Union County Public Schools is the dominant district, serving 41,497 students across 52 schools. The county also offers 5 charter schools, including Union Academy, which is the largest single school in the county with 2,129 students. These charters represent nearly 9% of the total schools, offering specialized curriculum paths.
Suburban Reach and Large Campuses
Attending school here often means being part of a large, vibrant student body, with an average school size of 800 students. The locale mix is primarily suburban with 37 schools, though 20 schools maintain a rural character. Top-tier high schools like Marvin Ridge and Cuthbertson serve over 1,900 students each.
Put Down Roots Near Leading Schools
High graduation rates and a variety of school sizes make Union County a magnet for growing families. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood near Marvin Ridge High or a rural setting, school quality is a key driver for local home values. Start your home search where academic excellence is a community priority.
School Overview
Total Schools
57
in Union County
Total Enrollment
45,622
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
5
9% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Union County
Union County Public Schools
Union Academy Charter School
Union Preparatory Academy at Indian Trai
Union Day School
Apprentice Academy HS of NC
Monroe Charter Academy
57 Public Schools in Union County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Academy | Union Academy Charter School | KG–12 | Charter | 2,129 |
| Marvin Ridge High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,074 |
| Cuthbertson High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,938 |
| Weddington High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,836 |
| Porter Ridge High School | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,754 |
| Weddington Middle | Union County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,450 |
| Sun Valley High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,442 |
| Marvin Ridge Middle | Union County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,358 |
| Cuthbertson Middle | Union County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,344 |
| Porter Ridge Middle School | Union County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,291 |
| Piedmont High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,265 |
| Parkwood High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,061 |
| Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail | Union Preparatory Academy at Indian Trai | KG–9 | Charter | 1,060 |
| Monroe High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,041 |
| Kensington Elementary | Union County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 1,032 |
| Sun Valley Middle | Union County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 991 |
| Piedmont Middle | Union County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 968 |
| Monroe Middle | Union County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 955 |
| Forest Hills High | Union County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 873 |
| Antioch Elementary | Union County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 862 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,994
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Union County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Union County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Union County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Union County?
How much does Union County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Union County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Union County, North Carolina?
Union County features a robust network of 57 public schools serving a large population of 45,622 students. The system includes 31 elementary, 9 middle, and 13 high schools, supported by 6 distinct school districts. This extensive infrastructure provides diverse choices for families across the region.
How do schools in Union County perform academically?
The county maintains a high 93.0% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the state average of 88.0%. Interestingly, Union achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,994, which is lower than both the state average of $6,969 and the national benchmark of $13,000. The composite school score of 52.9 aligns closely with the state average.
What are the major school districts in Union County, North Carolina?
Union County Public Schools is the dominant district, serving 41,497 students across 52 schools. The county also offers 5 charter schools, including Union Academy, which is the largest single school in the county with 2,129 students. These charters represent nearly 9% of the total schools, offering specialized curriculum paths.
What is the school experience like in Union County?
Attending school here often means being part of a large, vibrant student body, with an average school size of 800 students. The locale mix is primarily suburban with 37 schools, though 20 schools maintain a rural character. Top-tier high schools like Marvin Ridge and Cuthbertson serve over 1,900 students each.
How can I find homes near good schools in Union County, North Carolina?
High graduation rates and a variety of school sizes make Union County a magnet for growing families. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood near Marvin Ridge High or a rural setting, school quality is a key driver for local home values. Start your home search where academic excellence is a community priority.
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.