Skip to main content

Excellent

#404 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 15% in state

Caldwell Early College

High School · Caldwell County Schools

2859 Hickory Blvd SW, Hudson, NC 28638

Enrollment

398

Student-Teacher

22.1:1

Score

8.0

Grades

9th – UG

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#404 of 2,648

In Hudson

#2 of 5

public schools

In district

#2 of 23

Caldwell County Schools

Academic performance

9.8 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Caldwell Early College?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Caldwell Early College

8.0/10

High School in Hudson · grades 9th – UG. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy

8.2/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Heritage Christian School

4.3/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Caldwell Early College

Caldwell Early College is a public high school in Hudson, NC, part of Caldwell County Schools. Caldwell Early College serves approximately 398 students, and covers grades 9th-UG, and has a 22.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Caldwell Early College has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10 and ranks #404 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Caldwell Early College show 80% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 89% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.9 pts above district
  • This school 8.0 · Excellent
  • District avg 6.1
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Caldwell Early College runs 22.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.47 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics9.8Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency93.4% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency92.5% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+37.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+38.9 pts
Overall Proficiency93% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+27.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile96th
College Readiness9.9Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,066

Caldwell Early College — Students at Caldwell Early College score 93% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

37.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 80.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 89.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2011
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2016
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
82%
2018
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2019
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2020*
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2021*
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2025
Math
93.4%
ELA
92.5%

* 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: 8.8/10.

How Caldwell Early College Compares

See how Caldwell Early College performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.0/10
85th percentile in NC
Academic
9.8/10
Excellent
Growth
8.8/10
Excellent
Environment
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
37%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2859 Hickory Blvd SW, Hudson, NC 28638

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Caldwell Early College may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy (rated 8.2/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Jimmy C Draughn High School (rated 7.0/10, 7.0 miles away, in nearby Valdese), with a comparable rating. Additionally, South Caldwell High (rated 6.8/10, 3.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Hudson, see our Hudson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy Hudson 0.2 mi 8.2
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hudson 0.2 mi 4.3
Hudson Elementary Hudson 0.6 mi 6.7
Hudson Middle Hudson 0.8 mi 5.2
Sawmills Elementary Granite Falls 2.7 mi 5.3
Whitnel Elementary Lenoir 3.0 mi 5.9
South Caldwell High Hudson 3.2 mi 6.8
William Lenoir Middle Lenoir 4.6 mi 4.9
Hibriten High Lenoir 4.7 mi 4.5
Baton Elementary Granite Falls 4.4 mi 6.0
Lower Creek Elementary Lenoir 4.7 mi 6.9
Granite Falls Elementary Granite Falls 4.5 mi 7.8
Granite Falls Middle Granite Falls 4.8 mi 6.0
Davenport A+ School Lenoir 4.8 mi 4.6
Oak Hill Charter School Lenoir 5.0 mi 2.8
Horizons Elementary Lenoir 5.5 mi
Dudley Shoals Elementary Granite Falls 5.3 mi 5.0
Valmead Elementary Lenoir 6.3 mi 3.0
Jimmy C Draughn High School Valdese 7.0 mi 7.0
West Caldwell High Lenoir 6.2 mi 3.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28638 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,914

Median Home Value

$174,800

Median Rent

$693/mo

Population

11,629

College Educated

19.4%

Homeownership

75.1%

Avg Commute

23.3 min

Poverty Rate

17.3%

Median Age

38.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Alleghany High Sparta, NC 8.0
Early College Asheville, NC 8.0
East Carteret High Beaufort, NC 8.0
Johnston Co Early College Academy Smithfield, NC 8.0
NRM Early College High School Rocky Mount, NC 8.0
Pamlico County High Bayboro, NC 8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Caldwell Early College

What grades does Caldwell Early College serve?

Caldwell Early College serves students in grades 9th through UG.

How many students attend Caldwell Early College?

Caldwell Early College has an enrollment of approximately 398 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Caldwell Early College?

The student-teacher ratio at Caldwell Early College is 22.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Caldwell Early College rank in NC?

Caldwell Early College ranks #404 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Caldwell Early College's MySchoolScout rating?

Caldwell Early College has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Caldwell Early College?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Caldwell Early College has 80% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 89% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Caldwell Early College a charter school?

No, Caldwell Early College is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Caldwell Early College a Title I school?

No, Caldwell Early College is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Caldwell Early College?

37.4% of students at Caldwell Early College qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
43 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
398
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
37.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Caldwell County
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Caldwell County Schools
District Enrollment
10,665
Schools in District
25
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,066
District Rank
#2 of 23

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.