Shelby High School is a public high school located at 230 E Dixon Blvd in Shelby, North Carolina. The mascot of the school is the Golden Lion.
Serving 792 students in grades 9-12, Shelby High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 792 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Shelby High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Shelby High School's student population of 792 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
792 students
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Shelby High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shelby High School is 0.63, 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
#863 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60-64%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
10%
22%
Black
53%
24%
White
29%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Cleveland County Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Golden Lion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shelby High School's ranking?
Shelby High School is ranked #863 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Shelby High School often compared to?
Shelby High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Burns High School, Kings Mountain High School, Crest High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Shelby High School?
The graduation rate of Shelby High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Shelby High School?
792 students attend Shelby High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Shelby High School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shelby High School?
Shelby High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Shelby High School offer ?
Shelby High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Shelby High School part of?
Shelby High School is part of Cleveland County Schools.
School Reviews
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