For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,804 students in 28697, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 111 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 28697, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 28697, NC are Wilkes Early College High School, Wilkes Central High School and Wilkesboro Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28697 have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28697, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28697, NC Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Wilkes Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1328 S Collegiate Dr
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-6247
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-6247
Grades: 9-13
| 228 students
Rank: #22.
Wilkes Central High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1179 Moravian Falls Rd
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-5277
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-5277
Grades: 9-12
| 737 students
Rank: #33.
Wilkesboro Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1248 School St
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-4261
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-4261
Grades: PK-5
| 389 students
Rank: #44.
West Wilkes Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1677 North Nc Hwy 16
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 651-4381
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 651-4381
Grades: 6-8
| 450 students
28697, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
374 Lincoln Heights Rd
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-3653
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-3653
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 28697, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 28697, NC include Wilkes Early College High School, Wilkes Central High School and Wilkesboro Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28697?
4 public schools are located in 28697.
What percentage of students in 28697 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 28697 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28697?
28697 public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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