Average
#1933 of 2,648 schools in NC
Caldwell Early College
High School · Caldwell County Schools
2859 Hickory Blvd SW, Hudson, NC 28638
Enrollment
398
Student-Teacher
22.1:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
398
Student-Teacher
22.1:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – UG
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hudson
#4 of 5
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#276 of 579
In district
#16 of 23
Caldwell County Schools
Academic performance
8.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Caldwell Early College
Caldwell Early College stands out as an exceptional educational opportunity in Hudson, serving 398 students in grades 9 through undergraduate level. This innovative public school offers students the chance to earn college credits while completing their high school education, creating a unique pathway to higher learning. With an impressive MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10 and ranking 206th out of 2,661 North Carolina schools, Caldwell Early College demonstrates remarkable academic excellence.
The school's academic score of 9.7 reflects its commitment to rigorous instruction, with 92% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 74% meeting proficiency standards in mathematics. These strong outcomes are achieved with 18 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 22.1 to 1. The school's dual-enrollment model allows motivated students to accelerate their education while building a foundation for future college success.
This approach proves particularly valuable in a community where 17% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, providing students with opportunities to exceed local educational norms. Located on Hickory Boulevard in Hudson's mid-size suburban setting, Caldwell Early College serves families throughout Caldwell County, offering an accessible yet challenging academic environment that bridges the gap between high school and higher education.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Caldwell Early College is 22.1:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
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Caldwell Early College — Students at Caldwell Early College score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 63%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
37.4%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 1.7/10.
How Caldwell Early College Compares
See how Caldwell Early College performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 82% (2019) to 55.4% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 92% (2019) to 92.5% (2025).
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 6.1/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Jimmy C Draughn High School (rated 5.8/10, 7.0 miles away, in nearby Valdese), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, South Caldwell High (rated 5.0/10, 3.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. 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 | 6.1 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hudson | 0.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Hudson Elementary Hudson | 0.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Hudson Middle Hudson | 0.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Sawmills Elementary Granite Falls | 2.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Whitnel Elementary Lenoir | 3.0 mi | 7.2 |
| South Caldwell High Hudson | 3.2 mi | 5.0 |
| William Lenoir Middle Lenoir | 4.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Hibriten High Lenoir | 4.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Baton Elementary Granite Falls | 4.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Lower Creek Elementary Lenoir | 4.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Granite Falls Elementary Granite Falls | 4.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Granite Falls Middle Granite Falls | 4.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Davenport A+ School Lenoir | 4.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Oak Hill Charter School Lenoir | 5.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Horizons Elementary Lenoir | 5.5 mi | — |
| Dudley Shoals Elementary Granite Falls | 5.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Valmead Elementary Lenoir | 6.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Jimmy C Draughn High School Valdese | 7.0 mi | 5.8 |
| West Caldwell High Lenoir | 6.2 mi | 3.8 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Caldwell Early College has a median household income of $58,914. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $174,800, with a median rent of $693/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.3%. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| J F Kennedy High Winston-Salem, NC | 5.4 |
| Lakewood High Salemburg, NC | 5.4 |
| Rosewood High Goldsboro, NC | 5.4 |
| Northside High Pinetown, NC | 5.5 |
| Northwest Halifax Collegiate and Technic Littleton, NC | 5.5 |
| Early College of Forsyth Co Winston-Salem, NC | 5.3 |
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 is ranked #1933 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Caldwell Early College's MySchoolScout rating?
Caldwell Early College has a composite rating of 5.4 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 Caldwell Early College?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Caldwell Early College has 73.1% math proficiency and 90.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,356/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Hudson). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (828) 759-4636
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Caldwell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 10,665
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,066
- District Rank
- #16 of 23
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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