For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,023 students in Hudson, NC (there are , serving 191 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Hudson, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hudson, NC are Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and South Caldwell High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hudson, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Hudson have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% 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 Hudson, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Caldwell Early College
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2859 Hickory Blvd Sw
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4636
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4636
Gr: 9-13 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2857 Hickory Boulevard
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4640
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 759-4640
Gr: 9-12 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
South Caldwell High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7035 Spartan Drive
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 396-2188
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 396-2188
Gr: 9-12 | 1,299 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Hudson Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
291 Pine Mountain Road
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 728-4281
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 728-4281
Gr: 6-8 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Hudson Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 Roy Coffey Drive
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 728-3712
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 728-3712
Gr: PK-5 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hudson, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Hudson, NC include Caldwell Early College, Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy and South Caldwell High School.
How many public schools are located in Hudson?
5 public schools are located in Hudson.
What percentage of students in Hudson go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Hudson are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hudson?
Hudson 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).
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.