Below Average
#2291 of 2,648 schools in NC
Watauga Innovation Academy
High School · Watauga County Schools
300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Enrollment
305
Score
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
305
Score
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Boone
#6 of 6
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#403 of 579
In district
#10 of 10
Watauga County Schools
About Watauga Innovation Academy
Watauga Innovation Academy is a high school located in Boone, North Carolina, serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 305 students, the school offers a supportive learning environment focused on innovation and academic growth. Although specific student-teacher ratio and teacher details are not provided, the school’s MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 suggests there is room for improvement in overall performance.
However, with 68% of students proficient or above in math and 56% proficient or above in ELA/Reading, Watauga Innovation Academy demonstrates a strong foundation in core subjects. Watauga Innovation Academy ranks at #1216 out of 2661 schools in North Carolina, placing it around the 54th percentile. The school’s academic score of 7.8 out of 10 indicates solid performance with areas for enhancement.
Situated in a town setting, Watauga Innovation Academy is part of a vibrant community that supports educational endeavors and student development. Watauga Innovation Academy stands as an integral part of the Boone community, fostering a supportive environment for students to grow academically and personally.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Watauga Innovation Academy — Students at Watauga Innovation Academy score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
42.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 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: 3.4/10.
How Watauga Innovation Academy Compares
See how Watauga Innovation Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 50% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 58.2% (2025).
Location
300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Watauga Innovation Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Watauga High (rated 7.6/10), which scores notably higher. Another option is Ashe County Early College High (rated 5.6/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby West Jefferson), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Ashe County High (rated 5.4/10, 15.5 miles away, in nearby West Jefferson), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Boone, see our Boone schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Watauga High Boone | 0.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Hardin Park Elementary Boone | 0.7 mi | 6.8 |
| Watauga Virtual Academy Boone | 1.1 mi | — |
| MOUNTAIN PATHWAYS SCHOOL Boone | 1.9 mi | — |
| Two Rivers Community School Boone | 2.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Green Valley Elementary Boone | 4.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Blowing Rock Elementary Blowing Rock | 6.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Parkway Elementary Boone | 5.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Cove Creek Elementary Vilas | 6.2 mi | 8.2 |
| Valle Crucis Elementary Sugar Grove | 7.1 mi | 8.6 |
| Mabel Elementary Zionville | 9.1 mi | 8.4 |
| Westwood Elementary West Jefferson | 12.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Bethel Elementary Sugar Grove | 12.3 mi | 8.3 |
| Banner Elk Elementary Banner Elk | 12.4 mi | 9.8 |
| Happy Valley Elementary Lenoir | 16.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Ashe County High West Jefferson | 15.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Ashe County Early College High West Jefferson | 15.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Blue Ridge Elementary Warrensville | 18.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Roan Creek Elementary Mountain City | 17.3 mi | 4.2 |
| Ashe County Middle Warrensville | 18.8 mi | 8.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28607 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$44,132
Median Home Value
$339,200
Median Rent
$1,081/mo
Population
35,504
College Educated
53.8%
Homeownership
50%
Avg Commute
17.7 min
Poverty Rate
34.9%
Median Age
23.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Watauga Innovation Academy has a median household income of $44,132. It is a well-educated community where 54% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $339,200, with a median rent of $1,081/month. The area has a poverty rate of 34.9%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Andrews High Andrews, NC | 4.5 |
| Haywood Early College Clyde, NC | 4.5 |
| J D Clement Early College HS Durham, NC | 4.5 |
| Rockingham Co Early College High Wentworth, NC | 4.5 |
| Wake Early College of Health and Science Raleigh, NC | 4.5 |
| ABSS Early College at ACC Graham, NC | 4.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Watauga Innovation Academy
What grades does Watauga Innovation Academy serve?
Watauga Innovation Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Watauga Innovation Academy?
Watauga Innovation Academy has an enrollment of approximately 305 students.
How does Watauga Innovation Academy rank in NC?
Watauga Innovation Academy is ranked #2291 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Watauga Innovation Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Watauga Innovation Academy has a composite rating of 4.6 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 Watauga Innovation Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Watauga Innovation Academy has 59.7% math proficiency and 55.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Watauga Innovation Academy a charter school?
No, Watauga Innovation Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Watauga Innovation Academy a Title I school?
No, Watauga Innovation Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Watauga Innovation Academy?
42.6% of students at Watauga Innovation Academy 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
- City Safety
- Elevated (999/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Boone). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 305
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 42.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Watauga County
- Phone
- (828) 264-2407
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Watauga County Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,746
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,003
- District Rank
- #10 of 10
Other Schools in This District
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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