Average
#1828 of 2,648 schools in NC
Cape Hatteras Secondary School
High School · Dare County Schools
PO Box 948, Buxton, NC 27920
Enrollment
363
Student-Teacher
9.8:1
Score
5.6
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
363
Student-Teacher
9.8:1
Score
5.6
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Buxton
#2 of 2
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#243 of 579
In district
#9 of 10
Dare County Schools
School environment
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Cape Hatteras Secondary School
Cape Hatteras Secondary School is a regular public school located in the remote rural area of Buxton, North Carolina. Serving students from sixth through twelfth grade, this small but tight-knit community offers an enrollment of 363 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 9.8:1, ensuring that each student receives individual attention. With 37 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to their education, the school fosters a supportive learning environment.
Academically, Cape Hatteras Secondary School holds a MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks at number 950 among 2661 schools in North Carolina, placing it in the 64th percentile. In reading and math proficiency tests, approximately 58% of students are proficient or above, indicating areas for growth but also highlighting the school's commitment to student development. Cape Hatteras Secondary School is situated on the Outer Banks, offering a unique rural setting that immerses students in a close-knit community where everyone knows each other.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 9.8:1, Cape Hatteras Secondary School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Located in a rural area, Cape Hatteras Secondary School 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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Cape Hatteras Secondary School — Students at Cape Hatteras Secondary School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
50.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 12 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: 5.0/10.
How Cape Hatteras Secondary School Compares
See how Cape Hatteras Secondary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 30.8% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 62% (2025).
Location
PO Box 948, Buxton, NC 27920
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cape Hatteras Secondary School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Ocracoke School (rated 6.8/10, 26.3 miles away, in nearby Ocracoke), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cape Hatteras Elementary School (rated 5.7/10, 0.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Buxton, see our Buxton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
2 within 26.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Hatteras Elementary School Buxton | 0.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Ocracoke School Ocracoke | 26.3 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27920 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,054
Median Home Value
$385,400
Median Rent
$1,295/mo
Population
1,451
College Educated
25.9%
Homeownership
75.7%
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Median Age
50.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cape Hatteras Secondary School has a median household income of $67,054. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $385,400, with a median rent of $1,295/month. The local poverty rate of 7.8% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| COASTAL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Wilmington, NC | 5.6 |
| Cross Creek Early College Fayetteville, NC | 5.6 |
| Scotland Early College High Laurinburg, NC | 5.6 |
| Southside High Chocowinity, NC | 5.6 |
| Stewart Creek High Charlotte, NC | 5.6 |
| Northside High Pinetown, NC | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cape Hatteras Secondary School
What grades does Cape Hatteras Secondary School serve?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Cape Hatteras Secondary School?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School has an enrollment of approximately 363 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cape Hatteras Secondary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cape Hatteras Secondary School is 9.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cape Hatteras Secondary School rank in NC?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School is ranked #1828 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Cape Hatteras Secondary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cape Hatteras Secondary School has a composite rating of 5.6 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 Cape Hatteras Secondary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cape Hatteras Secondary School has 52.6% math proficiency and 57.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cape Hatteras Secondary School a charter school?
No, Cape Hatteras Secondary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cape Hatteras Secondary School a Title I school?
No, Cape Hatteras Secondary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cape Hatteras Secondary School?
50.4% of students at Cape Hatteras Secondary School 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
- County Safety
- Average (559/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 363
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 50.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Dare County
- Phone
- (252) 995-5730
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Dare County Schools- District Enrollment
- 5,102
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,996
- District Rank
- #9 of 10
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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