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#1676 of 2,648 schools in NC

Mitchell High

High School · Mitchell County Schools

416 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705

Enrollment

508

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

5.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,676 of 2,648

In Bakersville

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#4 of 7

Mitchell County Schools

School environment

9.7 / 10

Excellent

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Mitchell High

5.7/10

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

Gouge Elementary

5.0/10

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

Bowman Middle

4.8/10

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

About Mitchell High

Mitchell High is a public high school in Bakersville, NC, part of Mitchell County Schools. Mitchell High serves approximately 508 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Mitchell High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,676 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Mitchell High show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • District avg 6.8
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Mitchell 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.2Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.79 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32.2% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency54.7% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-23.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.1 pts
Overall Proficiency43% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-3.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
College Readiness3.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate72%
AP Participation10.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.7Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,405
Chronic Absenteeism25.4%

Mitchell High — Students at Mitchell High score 43% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

98%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 48.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 57.6% (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
67%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
27%
ELA
52%
2013
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
47%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
57%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
57%
ELA
52%
2025
Math
32.2%
ELA
54.7%

* 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: 5.2/10.

How Mitchell High Compares

See how Mitchell High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
37th percentile in NC
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
5.2/10
Average
Environment
9.7/10
Excellent
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
98%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
10.4% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
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

416 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mitchell High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Mayland Early College (rated 7.8/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Avery County High (rated 7.2/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Newland), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bakersville, see our Bakersville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Gouge Elementary Bakersville 3.5 mi 5.0
Bowman Middle Bakersville 3.5 mi 4.8
Deyton Elementary Spruce Pine 4.5 mi 5.1
Harris Middle Spruce Pine 4.6 mi 6.4
SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Spruce Pine 4.7 mi 5.7
TRI-COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spruce Pine 4.9 mi 5.4
Riverside Elementary Newland 5.6 mi 4.2
Mayland Early College Spruce Pine 6.2 mi 7.8
Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine 7.0 mi 8.0
BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spruce Pine 6.6 mi 7.0
Micaville Elementary Micaville 7.2 mi 3.8
South Toe Elementary Burnsville 9.8 mi 5.0
Burnsville Elementary Burnsville 8.8 mi 5.5
East Yancey Middle Burnsville 8.9 mi 5.3
GENESIS ACADEMY, INC. Burnsville 9.0 mi
ARTHUR MORGAN SCHOOL Burnsville 11.0 mi
Marjorie Williams Academy Crossnore 11.2 mi 7.7
North Cove Elementary School Marion 13.4 mi 4.5
Crossnore Elementary Crossnore 11.4 mi 6.6
Avery County High Newland 12.9 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28705 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$54,350

Median Home Value

$202,200

Median Rent

$855/mo

Population

6,733

College Educated

21.7%

Homeownership

80.1%

Avg Commute

27 min

Poverty Rate

10.9%

Median Age

49.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Ascend Leadership Academy: Lee County Sanford, NC 5.7
Perquimans County High Hertford, NC 5.7
Rosewood High Goldsboro, NC 5.7
Southern Wake Academy Holly Springs, NC 5.7
Southside High Chocowinity, NC 5.7
East Wilkes High School Ronda, NC 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mitchell High

What grades does Mitchell High serve?

Mitchell High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Mitchell High?

Mitchell High has an enrollment of approximately 508 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mitchell High?

The student-teacher ratio at Mitchell High is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mitchell High rank in NC?

Mitchell High ranks #1,676 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Mitchell High's MySchoolScout rating?

Mitchell High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 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 Mitchell High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mitchell High has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Mitchell High a charter school?

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

Is Mitchell High a Title I school?

No, Mitchell High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mitchell High?

98.0% of students at Mitchell 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
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
4 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
508
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
98.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Mitchell County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.4%
4-Year Graduation
72.0%

District

Mitchell County Schools
District Enrollment
1,705
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,405
District Rank
#4 of 7

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