Average
#1089 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 41% in state
South Caldwell High
High School · Caldwell County Schools
7035 Spartan Drive, Hudson, NC 28638
Enrollment
1,299
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,299
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,089 of 2,648
In Hudson
#3 of 5
public schools
In district
#5 of 23
Caldwell County Schools
Equity
9.6 / 10
Excellent
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South Caldwell High
High School in Hudson · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Granite Falls Elementary
1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Granite Falls Middle
1.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Caldwell High
South Caldwell High is a public high school in Hudson, NC, part of Caldwell County Schools. South Caldwell High serves approximately 1,299 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio. South Caldwell High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,089 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for South Caldwell High show 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.8 · Average
- District avg 6.1
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
32% of students at South Caldwell 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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South Caldwell High — Students at South Caldwell High score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.7%
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: 7.8/10.
How South Caldwell High Compares
See how South Caldwell 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
7035 Spartan Drive, Hudson, NC 28638
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Caldwell High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy (rated 8.2/10, 3.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Caldwell Early College (rated 8.0/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Jimmy C Draughn High School (rated 7.0/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Valdese), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Hudson, see our Hudson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Granite Falls Elementary Granite Falls | 1.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Granite Falls Middle Granite Falls | 1.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Sawmills Elementary Granite Falls | 1.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Hudson Middle Hudson | 2.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Hudson Elementary Hudson | 2.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy Hudson | 3.0 mi | 8.2 |
| Caldwell Early College Hudson | 3.2 mi | 8.0 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hudson | 3.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Dudley Shoals Elementary Granite Falls | 4.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Ray Childers Elementary Hickory | 5.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Baton Elementary Granite Falls | 4.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Oak Hill Charter School Lenoir | 5.9 mi | 2.8 |
| Gateway School Granite Falls | 5.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Icard Elementary Connelly Springs | 6.5 mi | 7.7 |
| Whitnel Elementary Lenoir | 6.2 mi | 5.9 |
| East Burke High Connelly Springs | 7.1 mi | 6.1 |
| East Burke Middle Connelly Springs | 7.4 mi | 5.0 |
| Jimmy C Draughn High School Valdese | 6.4 mi | 7.0 |
| CHRIST CLASSICAL ACADEMY Connelly Springs | 6.9 mi | 4.8 |
| Hildebran Elementary Hildebran | 7.5 mi | 5.2 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Fairmont High Fairmont, NC | 6.8 |
| Olympic High School Charlotte, NC | 6.7 |
| South Iredell High Statesville, NC | 6.7 |
| Stuart W Cramer High Belmont, NC | 6.7 |
| Northern Nash High Rocky Mount, NC | 6.9 |
| Princeton High Princeton, NC | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Caldwell High
What grades does South Caldwell High serve?
South Caldwell High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend South Caldwell High?
South Caldwell High has an enrollment of approximately 1,299 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Caldwell High?
The student-teacher ratio at South Caldwell High is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Caldwell High rank in NC?
South Caldwell High ranks #1,089 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is South Caldwell High's MySchoolScout rating?
South Caldwell High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 South Caldwell High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Caldwell High has 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is South Caldwell High a charter school?
No, South Caldwell High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Caldwell High a Title I school?
No, South Caldwell High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Caldwell High?
98.7% of students at South Caldwell 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,299
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 85
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Caldwell County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 31.6%
- Phone
- (828) 396-2188
- 4-Year Graduation
- 84.0%
Resources & Links
District
Caldwell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 10,665
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,066
- District Rank
- #5 of 23
Other Schools in This District
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