Serving 1,454 students in grades 9-12, Hillside High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is lower 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 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,454 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hillside High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Hillside High School's student population of 1,454 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 95 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,454 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Year Founded
1887
Colors
White, Navy Blue
School Rankings
Hillside High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hillside High School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1818 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)30-34%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
29%
21%
Black
64%
25%
White
2%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)86%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hornet
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hillside High School's ranking?
Hillside High School is ranked #1818 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Hillside High School often compared to?
Hillside High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like C E Jordan High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hillside High School?
The graduation rate of Hillside High School is 86%, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Hillside High School?
1,454 students attend Hillside High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Hillside High School students are Black, 29% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Hillside High School?
Hillside High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Hillside High School offer ?
Hillside High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hillside High School part of?
Hillside High School is part of Durham School District.
School Reviews
5 4/7/2023
Hillside is one of the most progressive high schools I have worked at in NC (the 4th school I' 've worked for in the 3rd county). Despite the violence and other issues in the community surrounding the campus Hillside continues to create scholars that achieve amazing things. Over the past several years Hillside students have earned more than $20 million in scholarships each year, year over year. As someone who attended Chapel Hill High School in the 90''s when it was rated the best in the state, I Hillside is leaps and bounds ahead of most schools in terms of students being prepared to enter society as productive members.
Review Hillside High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Understanding Self-Contained Classrooms in Public Schools
Learn about the history of public schools incorporating self-contained classrooms, and whether they are right for your child.
Can Naviance Succeed Improve College and Career Readiness?
Learn about a new student assessment system, Naviance Succeed, which provides tools and support to increase student college and career readiness. A number of school districts are using the tool this year in hopes of improving student performance through more accurate assessment process than are currently available.
Do You Need After School Day Care? Public Schools May Be the Solution
Learn about how your child's public school may be the best source of after school and vacation day care.
