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Needs Improvement

#2627 of 2,648 schools in NC

Hugh M Cummings High

High School · Alamance-Burlington Schools

2200 N Mebane Street, Burlington, NC 27217

Enrollment

813

Student-Teacher

17.7:1

Score

2.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,627 of 2,648

In Burlington

#15 of 15

public schools

In district

#35 of 36

Alamance-Burlington Schools

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Hugh M Cummings High

2.4/10

High School in Burlington · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Broadview Middle

3.4/10

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

Positive Day School

Nearby

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

About Hugh M Cummings High

Hugh M Cummings High is a public high school in Burlington, NC, part of Alamance-Burlington Schools. Hugh M Cummings High serves approximately 813 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Hugh M Cummings High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,627 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Hugh M Cummings High show 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.6 pts below district
  • This school 2.4 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.0
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

86% of students at Hugh M Cummings 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 metrics
Student Progress1.8Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.01 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10.2% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency30.3% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-45.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-23.3 pts
Overall Proficiency20% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-26.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile4th
College Readiness3.8Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%
AP Participation2.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.6Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,925
Chronic Absenteeism85.6%

Hugh M Cummings High — Students at Hugh M Cummings High score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 34.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 35.3% (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

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
77%
ELA
42%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
52%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
27%
ELA
31%
2013
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2014
Math
31%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
33%
2017
Math
0.5%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
33%
ELA
21%
2019
Math
33%
ELA
21%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2025
Math
10.2%
ELA
30.3%

* 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: 1.8/10.

How Hugh M Cummings High Compares

See how Hugh M Cummings High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.4/10
1th percentile in NC
Academic
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3
Sports
14
7 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
46 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
85.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
2.7% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics14sports offered
7 boys'·7 girls'·14 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

2200 N Mebane Street, Burlington, NC 27217

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Hugh M Cummings High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ABSS Early College at ACC (rated 7.2/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Graham), which scores notably higher. Another option is Walter M Williams High (rated 5.9/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Ray Street Academy (rated 5.1/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Graham), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Burlington, see our Burlington schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Broadview Middle Burlington 0.1 mi 3.4
POSITIVE DAY SCHOOL Burlington 0.9 mi
R Homer Andrews Elementary Burlington 0.8 mi 3.7
Eastlawn Elementary Burlington 1.1 mi 3.8
Graham High Graham 1.2 mi 2.8
Graham Middle Graham 1.5 mi 2.0
North Graham Elementary Graham 1.4 mi 2.5
Ray Street Academy Graham 1.9 mi 5.1
Harvey R Newlin Elementary Burlington 1.7 mi 4.0
South Graham Elementary Graham 2.5 mi 5.0
Haw River Elementary Haw River 2.2 mi 4.5
Alamance Virtual School Burlington 2.3 mi 5.3
BURLINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Burlington 2.5 mi 6.9
ABSS Early College at ACC Graham 2.7 mi 7.2
River Mill Academy Graham 3.1 mi 6.9
Alamance Community School Haw River 2.8 mi 6.8
BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL Burlington 2.8 mi 7.0
Walter M Williams High Burlington 3.2 mi 5.9
Grove Park Elementary Burlington 3.6 mi 3.0
Turrentine Middle Burlington 3.7 mi 2.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27217 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,770

Median Home Value

$164,900

Median Rent

$859/mo

Population

40,561

College Educated

14.6%

Homeownership

61.6%

Avg Commute

26.9 min

Poverty Rate

21.8%

Median Age

35.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Salisbury High Salisbury, NC 2.6
Graham High Graham, NC 2.8
Hunter Huss High Gastonia, NC 3.0
Carver High Winston-Salem, NC 3.1
Statesville High Statesville, NC 3.1
Tarboro High Tarboro, NC 3.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hugh M Cummings High

What grades does Hugh M Cummings High serve?

Hugh M Cummings High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Hugh M Cummings High?

Hugh M Cummings High has an enrollment of approximately 813 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Hugh M Cummings High?

The student-teacher ratio at Hugh M Cummings High is 17.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Hugh M Cummings High rank in NC?

Hugh M Cummings High ranks #2,627 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Hugh M Cummings High's MySchoolScout rating?

Hugh M Cummings High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.4 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 Hugh M Cummings High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Hugh M Cummings High has 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Hugh M Cummings High a charter school?

No, Hugh M Cummings High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Hugh M Cummings High a Title I school?

No, Hugh M Cummings High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hugh M Cummings High?

99.6% of students at Hugh M Cummings 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
39 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
813
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
46
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Alamance County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
85.6%
4-Year Graduation
80.0%

District

Alamance-Burlington Schools
District Enrollment
22,477
Schools in District
38
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,925
District Rank
#35 of 36

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