Average
#1205 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 46% in state
Carson High
High School · Rowan-Salisbury Schools
290 Kress Venture Dr, China Grove, NC 28023
Enrollment
1,135
Student-Teacher
18.9:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,135
Student-Teacher
18.9:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,205 of 2,648
In China Grove
#3 of 6
public schools
In district
#8 of 32
Rowan-Salisbury Schools
Equity
8.9 / 10
Excellent
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Carson High
High School in China Grove · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
China Grove Middle
1.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Bostian Elementary
2.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Carson High
Carson High is a public high school in China Grove, NC, part of Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Carson High serves approximately 1,135 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 18.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Carson High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,205 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Carson High show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.6 · Average
- District avg 5.0
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Carson High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
33% of students at Carson High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Carson High — Students at Carson High score 60% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 28 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: 7.7/10.
How Carson High Compares
See how Carson High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
290 Kress Venture Dr, China Grove, NC 28023
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Carson High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Rowan Co Early College (rated 8.0/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Salisbury), which scores notably higher. Another option is South Rowan High (rated 4.2/10, 3.7 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, A L Brown High (rated 3.7/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Kannapolis), a more accessible option. For more schools in China Grove, see our China Grove schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| China Grove Middle China Grove | 1.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Bostian Elementary China Grove | 2.7 mi | 7.2 |
| China Grove Elementary China Grove | 2.3 mi | 3.6 |
| Southeast Middle Salisbury | 3.7 mi | 2.5 |
| Knollwood Elementary Salisbury | 4.0 mi | 3.0 |
| South Rowan High China Grove | 3.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Corriher Lipe Middle Landis | 4.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Landis Elementary Landis | 4.2 mi | 8.2 |
| Koontz Elementary Salisbury | 5.1 mi | 2.0 |
| Jackson Park Elementary Kannapolis | 5.1 mi | 7.5 |
| NEHEMIAH ENRICHMENT ACADEMY Salisbury | 5.8 mi | — |
| Faith Academy Charter School Faith | 5.1 mi | 5.8 |
| NORTH KANNAPOLIS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kannapolis | 5.5 mi | 7.1 |
| North Kannapolis Elementary Kannapolis | 5.6 mi | 5.2 |
| FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kannapolis | 6.0 mi | 5.3 |
| A L Brown High Kannapolis | 6.2 mi | 3.7 |
| Rowan Co Early College Salisbury | 6.3 mi | 8.0 |
| GW Carver Elementary Kannapolis | 6.3 mi | 7.5 |
| Forest Park Elementary Kannapolis | 6.6 mi | 4.4 |
| Granite Quarry Elementary Granite Quarry | 6.4 mi | 4.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28023 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,064
Median Home Value
$209,700
Median Rent
$942/mo
Population
15,255
College Educated
18.1%
Homeownership
79.5%
Avg Commute
26 min
Poverty Rate
13.6%
Median Age
41.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CARY ACADEMY Cary, NC | 6.6 |
| Crest High Shelby, NC | 6.6 |
| Junius H Rose High Greenville, NC | 6.6 |
| Kings Mountain High Kings Mountain, NC | 6.6 |
| Central Davidson High Lexington, NC | 6.5 |
| Forest Hills High Marshville, NC | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Carson High
What grades does Carson High serve?
Carson High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Carson High?
Carson High has an enrollment of approximately 1,135 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Carson High?
The student-teacher ratio at Carson High is 18.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Carson High rank in NC?
Carson High ranks #1,205 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Carson High's MySchoolScout rating?
Carson High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 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 Carson High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Carson High has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Carson High a charter school?
No, Carson High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Carson High a Title I school?
No, Carson High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carson High?
98.0% of students at Carson 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,135
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 60
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Rowan County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 33.0%
- Phone
- (704) 855-7297
- 4-Year Graduation
- 91.0%
Resources & Links
District
Rowan-Salisbury Schools- District Enrollment
- 18,110
- Schools in District
- 32
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,141
- District Rank
- #8 of 32
Other Schools in This District
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