For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,092 students in 28602, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 62 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in 28602, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 28602, NC are Mountain View Elementary School, Challenger Early College High School and Longview Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28602 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28602, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28602, NC Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Mountain View Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5911 Dwayne Starnes Road
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 294-2020
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 294-2020
Grades: K-6
| 713 students
Rank: #22.
Challenger Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2550 Hwy 70 Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-2980
Grades: 9-12
| 362 students
Rank: #33.
Longview Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
737 12th Street Sw
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-0975
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-0975
Grades: 3-5
| 313 students
Rank: #44.
Grandview Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
451 Catawba Valley Boulevard S
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 328-2289
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 328-2289
Grades: 6-8
| 393 students
Rank: #55.
Southwest Primary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1580 32nd Street Sw
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 324-8884
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 324-8884
Grades: PK-2
| 311 students
Rank: n/an/a
432 4th Ave Sw
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 322-2855
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 322-2855
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
28602, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
2110 Main Avenue Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-3689
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-3689
Grades: PK-6
| 326 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 28602, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 28602, NC include Mountain View Elementary School, Challenger Early College High School and Longview Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28602?
6 public schools are located in 28602.
What percentage of students in 28602 go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in 28602 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28602?
28602 public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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