Average
#1761 of 2,648 schools in NC
Alexander Central High
High School · Alexander County Schools
223 School Drive, Taylorsville, NC 28681
Enrollment
1,248
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
5.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,248
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
5.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Taylorsville
#4 of 8
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#222 of 579
In district
#7 of 11
Alexander County Schools
Equity
7.3 / 10
Strong
About Alexander Central High
Alexander Central High serves 1,248 students in grades 9-12 in Taylorsville, North Carolina, maintaining a solid 7.6 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking in the 82nd percentile among North Carolina high schools. With 84 full-time equivalent teachers, the school provides a student-teacher ratio of 14.9:1, allowing for reasonably personalized attention in classrooms. Academically, Alexander Central demonstrates steady performance with 57% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 58% in mathematics.
These scores reflect the school's commitment to helping students develop essential skills across core subjects. The school's academic score of 7.7 out of 10 indicates consistent educational delivery for its diverse student body. Alexander Central High sits in Alexander County's rural landscape, serving families from the surrounding 28681 zip code area where the median household income is $59,309 and median home values average $166,500.
The community of approximately 25,825 residents represents a working-class area where 15% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and the poverty rate stands at 11.2%. This rural setting provides students with a close-knit school environment while preparing them for future educational and career opportunities beyond their hometown community.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Alexander Central High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Alexander Central High — Students at Alexander Central High score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.4/10.
How Alexander Central High Compares
See how Alexander Central High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 48% (2019) to 40.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 39% (2019) to 57% (2025).
Location
223 School Drive, Taylorsville, NC 28681
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Alexander Central High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Alexander Early College (rated 5.9/10, 0.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Saint Stephens High (rated 4.3/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Hickory), a more accessible option. Additionally, Bunker Hill High (rated 3.0/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Claremont), a more accessible option. For more schools in Taylorsville, see our Taylorsville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Taylorsville Elementary Taylorsville | 0.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Alexander Early College Taylorsville | 0.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Sugar Loaf Elementary Taylorsville | 3.7 mi | 4.8 |
| MILLERSVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Taylorsville | 4.4 mi | 3.9 |
| East Alexander Middle Hiddenite | 3.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Ellendale Elementary Taylorsville | 5.1 mi | 4.8 |
| NC BOYS ACADEMY Conover | 6.7 mi | — |
| Hiddenite Elementary Hiddenite | 5.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Wittenburg Elementary Taylorsville | 6.8 mi | 4.4 |
| West Alexander Middle Taylorsville | 7.5 mi | 7.9 |
| Bethlehem Elementary Taylorsville | 8.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Oxford Elementary Claremont | 10.1 mi | 5.2 |
| Stony Point Elementary Stony Point | 8.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Snow Creek Elementary Hickory | 10.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Harry M Arndt Middle Hickory | 10.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Saint Stephens High Hickory | 11.0 mi | 4.3 |
| Lyle Creek Elementary Conover | 11.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Clyde Campbell Elementary Hickory | 11.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Bunker Hill High Claremont | 11.9 mi | 3.0 |
| Central Wilkes Middle School Moravian Falls | 12.3 mi | 7.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28681 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,343
Median Home Value
$188,000
Median Rent
$719/mo
Population
26,117
College Educated
15.2%
Homeownership
80.7%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Median Age
44.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Alexander Central High has a median household income of $61,343. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $188,000, with a median rent of $719/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.8%. The average commute for residents is 27 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Charles B Aycock High Pikeville, NC | 5.7 |
| Garner High Garner, NC | 5.7 |
| North Buncombe High Weaverville, NC | 5.7 |
| West Henderson High Hendersonville, NC | 5.7 |
| Cedar Ridge High Hillsborough, NC | 5.8 |
| Rocky Mount High Rocky Mount, NC | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alexander Central High
What grades does Alexander Central High serve?
Alexander Central High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Alexander Central High?
Alexander Central High has an enrollment of approximately 1,248 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Alexander Central High?
The student-teacher ratio at Alexander Central High is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Alexander Central High rank in NC?
Alexander Central High is ranked #1761 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Alexander Central High's MySchoolScout rating?
Alexander Central High has a composite rating of 5.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Alexander Central High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Alexander Central High has 51.8% math proficiency and 52.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Alexander Central High a charter school?
No, Alexander Central High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Alexander Central High a Title I school?
No, Alexander Central High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Alexander Central High?
99.8% of students at Alexander Central High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,248
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 84
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Alexander County
- Phone
- (828) 632-7063
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Alexander County Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,365
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,929
- District Rank
- #7 of 11
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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