Charles D. Owen High School is a public high school within the Buncombe County Schools System, located at 99 Lake Eden Road in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Its current principal is Ms Dawn Rookey.
Serving 649 students in grades 9-12, Owen High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 649 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 20% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Owen High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Owen High School's student population of 649 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
649 students
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Year Founded
1955
Colors
Grey, Maroon
School Calendar
School Rankings
Owen High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Owen High School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#279 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)75-79%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
17%
22%
Black
4%
24%
White
72%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Buncombe County Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Warhorse And Warlassie
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Owen High School's ranking?
Owen High School is ranked #279 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Owen High School often compared to?
Owen High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Reynolds High School, Roberson High School, Asheville High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Owen High School?
The graduation rate of Owen High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Owen High School?
649 students attend Owen High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Owen High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Owen High School?
Owen High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Owen High School offer ?
Owen High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Owen High School part of?
Owen High School is part of Buncombe County Schools.
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