For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,992 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 93%).
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 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28602, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: K-6 | 708 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
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
Gr: 3-5 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
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
Gr: PK-2 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
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?
5 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 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28602?
28602 public schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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