For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,549 students in Boone, NC (there are , serving 191 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Boone, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Boone, NC are Watauga High School, Parkway Elementary School and Watauga Innovation Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Boone, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Boone have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Boone, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Watauga High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
300 Go Pioneers Drive
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Gr: 9-12 | 1,279 student Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Parkway Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
160 Parkway School Dr
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-3032
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-3032
Gr: PK-8 | 649 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Watauga Innovation Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 Go Pioneers Drive
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2407
Gr: 9-12 | 305 students Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Two Rivers Community School
Charter School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1018 Archie Carroll Road
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-5411
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-5411
Gr: K-8 | 165 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Hardin Park Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
361 Jefferson Road
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-8481
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-8481
Gr: PK-8 | 859 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #66.
Watauga Virtual Academy
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
175 Pioneer Trail
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-7190
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-7190
Gr: K-8 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #77.
Green Valley Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
189 Big Hill Road
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-3606
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-3606
Gr: PK-8 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Boone, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Boone, NC include Watauga High School, Parkway Elementary School and Watauga Innovation Academy.
How many public schools are located in Boone?
7 public schools are located in Boone.
What percentage of students in Boone go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Boone are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Boone?
Boone public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Boone are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Boone include: Watauga Innovation Academy vs. Watauga High School, Green Valley Elementary School vs. Hardin Park Elementary School, Two Rivers Community School vs. Parkway Elementary School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
