For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public high schools serving 7,871 students in Orange County, NC. The top ranked public high schools in Orange County, NC are Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High School and Carrboro High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Orange County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 77% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Orange County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public high schools.
Orange County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 91%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Chapel Hill High School, with 96% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Orange County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Chapel Hill High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9217 Seawell School Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-2106
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-2106
Grades: 9-12
| 1,638 students
Rank: #22.
East Chapel Hill High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
500 Weaver Dairy Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 969-2482
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 969-2482
Grades: 9-12
| 1,411 students
Rank: #33.
Carrboro High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
201 Rock Haven Rd
Carrboro, NC 27510
(919) 918-2200
Carrboro, NC 27510
(919) 918-2200
Grades: 9-12
| 877 students
Rank: #44.
Woods Charter
Charter School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
160 Woodland Grove Ln
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-8353
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-8353
Grades: K-12
| 512 students
Rank: #55.
Eno River Academy
Charter School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1212 Nc Highway 57 North
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 644-6272
Grades: K-12
| 810 students
Rank: #66.
Cedar Ridge High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1125 New Grady Brown Sch Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4000
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4000
Grades: 9-12
| 1,118 students
Rank: #77.
Orange High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Orange High Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6133
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6133
Grades: 9-12
| 1,220 students
Rank: #88.
Phoenix Academy High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
750 S Merritt Mill Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2300
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2300
Grades: 8-12
| 21 students
Rank: #99.
Partnership Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
920 Corporate Drive
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4030
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-4030
Grades: 9-12
| 43 students
Rank: #1010.
Orange County Schools Online Academy
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
920 Corporate Dr
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-8126
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-8126
Grades: K-12
| 182 students
Rank: n/an/a
101 Manning Dr
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 966-5009
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 966-5009
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
750 S Merritt Mill Rd, Chapel
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-8211
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-8211
Grades: 9-12
| 39 students
Orange County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1713 Legion Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 537-0740
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 537-0740
Grades: K-8
| 80 students
New Century Charter High School (Closed 2005)
Charter School
1315-a New Hope Trace
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-7722
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-7722
Grades: 9-12
| 106 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Orange County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Orange County, NC include Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High School and Carrboro High School. Orange County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in North Carolina.
How many public high schools are located in Orange County?
12 public high schools are located in Orange County.
What is the racial composition of students in Orange County?
Orange County public high schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Orange County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Orange County include: Orange High School vs. Cedar Ridge High School, Cedar Ridge High School vs. Orange High School, East Chapel Hill High School vs. Chapel Hill High School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
