Best Schools in Hillsborough, North Carolina
13 schools · 7 Elementary · 2 Middle · 3 High · 1 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 7.3/10
- Median household income
- $101,821
- Median home value
- $380,000
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 54%
- Avg commute
- 27 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 77%
54% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Hillsborough compares
North Carolina rank
#18 of 253
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.9
above North Carolina avg (6.4)
Median household income
$102k
150% of North Carolina median
Schools in this city
13
About Schools in Hillsborough, North Carolina
Hillsborough, North Carolina is home to 13 schools, including 12 public schools and 1 private school. The city's schools span 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 7.3 out of 10, schools in Hillsborough perform strongly on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Hillsborough is Pathways Elementary with a composite score of 9.4/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Hillsborough is served by 3 school districts: Eno River Academy, The Expedition School, Orange County Schools. These districts collectively serve 8,238 students.
Hillsborough's community shows 54% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $101,821. The poverty rate in the area is 7.3%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
7 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 352 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.4 | ||
| 2 | 434 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.0 | ||
| 3 | 555 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.8 | ||
| 4 | 401 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.2 | ||
| 5 | 361 students · Kindergarten–8th | 7.9 | ||
| 6 | 287 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.9 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | HILLSBOROUGH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Private
95 students · Kindergarten–8th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 529 students · 6th–8th | 7.4 |
| 2 | 625 students · 6th–8th | 6.5 |
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,118 students · 9th–12th | 5.8 |
| 2 | 43 students · 9th–12th | 5.8 |
| 3 | 1,220 students · 9th–12th | 4.8 |
Other Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 810 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.5 |
Schools in Hillsborough
Hillsborough, North Carolina · 13 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$101,821
Median Home Value
$380,000
Median Rent
$1,294/mo
Population
28,546
College Educated
54%
Homeownership
77%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Community Profile
Hillsborough has a median household income of $101,821. It is a well-educated community where 54% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $380,000, with a median rent of $1,294/month. The local poverty rate of 7.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- North Carolina
- Total Schools
- 13
- Elementary
- 7
- Middle
- 2
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 3
- Avg Rating
- 7.3/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in North Carolina
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Hillsborough, North Carolina
How many schools are in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
Hillsborough has 13 schools, including 12 public and 1 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Hillsborough is 7.3 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
The top-ranked school in Hillsborough on MySchoolScout is Pathways Elementary with a composite score of 9.4/10.
What is the best elementary school in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
The top-ranked elementary school in Hillsborough on MySchoolScout is Pathways Elementary with a composite score of 9.4/10.
What is the best middle school in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
The top-ranked middle school in Hillsborough on MySchoolScout is Orange Middle with a composite score of 7.4/10.
What is the best high school in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
The top-ranked high school in Hillsborough on MySchoolScout is Cedar Ridge High with a composite score of 5.8/10.
How many school districts serve Hillsborough, North Carolina?
Hillsborough is served by 3 school districts: Eno River Academy, The Expedition School, Orange County Schools.
What is the education level in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
According to Census data, 54% of adults in Hillsborough have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
The median household income in Hillsborough is approximately $101,821 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
Yes, Hillsborough has 1 private school alongside 12 public schools. The top-rated private school is Hillsborough Christian Academy with a score of 6.5/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Hillsborough is 13.2:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Hillsborough, North Carolina?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, North Carolina Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.