For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 6,374 students in Denver, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 264 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Denver, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Denver, NC are Rock Springs Elementary School, Lincoln Charter School and Catawba Springs Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Denver, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Denver have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Denver, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rock Springs Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3633 Hwy 16 N
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-2281
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-2281
Gr: PK-5 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
7834 Galway Lane
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-6611
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483-6611
Gr: K-12 | 2,316 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Catawba Springs Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
206 North Little Egypt Rd
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1895
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1895
Gr: PK-5 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
St. James Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1774 St James Church Road
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1958
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1958
Gr: PK-5 | 653 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
East Lincoln High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6471 Hwy 73
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1860
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-1860
Gr: 9-12 | 1,047 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
North Lincoln Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1503 Amity Church Road
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-0262
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 736-0262
Gr: 6-8 | 774 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #77.
West Lake Preparatory Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1691 Forney Creek
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 966-2202
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 966-2202
Gr: K-9 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 57:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Denver, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Denver, NC include Rock Springs Elementary School, Lincoln Charter School and Catawba Springs Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Denver?
7 public schools are located in Denver.
What percentage of students in Denver go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Denver are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Denver?
Denver public schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Denver are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Denver include: Catawba Springs Elementary School vs. St. James Elementary School, Rock Springs Elementary School vs. St. James Elementary School, St. James Elementary School vs. Rock Springs Elementary School
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