Very Good
#577 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 22% in state
Watauga Innovation Academy
High School · Watauga County Schools
300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Enrollment
305
Score
7.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
305
Score
7.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#577 of 2,648
In Boone
#3 of 6
public schools
In district
#4 of 10
Watauga County Schools
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Watauga Innovation Academy?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Watauga Innovation Academy
High School in Boone · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Watauga High
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hardin Park Elementary
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Watauga Innovation Academy
Watauga Innovation Academy is a public high school in Boone, NC, part of Watauga County Schools. Watauga Innovation Academy serves approximately 305 students, and covers grades 9th-12th. Watauga Innovation Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #577 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Watauga Innovation Academy show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025).
- This school 7.8 · Very Good
- District avg 8.3
- NC avg 6.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Watauga Innovation Academy — Students at Watauga Innovation Academy score 66% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).
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 14 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: 9.7/10.
How Watauga Innovation Academy Compares
See how Watauga Innovation Academy 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
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 8.7/10), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Ashe County High (rated 5.8/10, 15.5 miles away, in nearby West Jefferson), a more accessible option. Additionally, Ashe County Early College High (rated 5.5/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby West Jefferson), a more accessible option. 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 | 8.7 |
| Hardin Park Elementary Boone | 0.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Watauga Virtual Academy Boone | 1.1 mi | — |
| MOUNTAIN PATHWAYS SCHOOL Boone | 1.9 mi | — |
| Two Rivers Community School Boone | 2.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Green Valley Elementary Boone | 4.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Blowing Rock Elementary Blowing Rock | 6.0 mi | 8.4 |
| Parkway Elementary Boone | 5.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Cove Creek Elementary Vilas | 6.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Valle Crucis Elementary Sugar Grove | 7.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Mabel Elementary Zionville | 9.1 mi | 5.4 |
| Westwood Elementary West Jefferson | 12.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Bethel Elementary Sugar Grove | 12.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Banner Elk Elementary Banner Elk | 12.4 mi | 9.4 |
| Happy Valley Elementary Lenoir | 16.1 mi | 4.0 |
| Ashe County High West Jefferson | 15.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Ashe County Early College High West Jefferson | 15.7 mi | 5.5 |
| Blue Ridge Elementary Warrensville | 18.2 mi | 8.6 |
| Roan Creek Elementary Mountain City | 17.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Ashe County Middle Warrensville | 18.8 mi | 8.9 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Columbus Career and College Academy Whiteville, NC | 7.8 |
| Craven Early College High New Bern, NC | 7.8 |
| Early College of Forsyth Co Winston-Salem, NC | 7.8 |
| Lenoir County Early College High Kinston, NC | 7.8 |
| Levine Middle College High Sch Mathews, NC | 7.8 |
| Merancas Middle College-CPCC Huntersville, NC | 7.8 |
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 ranks #577 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Watauga Innovation Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Watauga Innovation Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Watauga Innovation Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Watauga Innovation Academy has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 16.1%
- Phone
- (828) 264-2407
- 4-Year Graduation
- 95%+
Resources & Links
District
Watauga County Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,746
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,003
- District Rank
- #4 of 10
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.