For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,092 students in 28602, NC (there are , 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 92%).
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 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public school average of 57% (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 | 713 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
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 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
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 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
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 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
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 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
28602, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2110 Main Avenue Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-3689
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-3689
Gr: PK-6 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
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?
6 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 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28602?
28602 public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.