Needs Improvement
#2434 of 2,648 schools in NC
West Caldwell High
High School · Caldwell County Schools
300 W Caldwell Drive, Lenoir, NC 28645
Enrollment
687
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
3.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
687
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
3.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,434 of 2,648
In Lenoir
#10 of 12
public schools
In district
#22 of 23
Caldwell County Schools
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West Caldwell High
High School in Lenoir · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Gamewell Middle
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Gamewell Elementary
1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About West Caldwell High
West Caldwell High is a public high school in Lenoir, NC, part of Caldwell County Schools. West Caldwell High serves approximately 687 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. West Caldwell High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,434 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for West Caldwell High show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.7 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 6.1
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
West Caldwell 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.
43% of students at West 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
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West Caldwell High — Students at West Caldwell High score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.1%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 2.9/10.
How West Caldwell High Compares
See how West 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
300 W Caldwell Drive, Lenoir, NC 28645
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Caldwell High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy (rated 8.2/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Hudson), which scores notably higher. Another option is Caldwell Early College (rated 8.0/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Hudson), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Jimmy C Draughn High School (rated 7.0/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Valdese), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lenoir, see our Lenoir schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gamewell Middle Lenoir | 1.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Gamewell Elementary Lenoir | 1.3 mi | 3.7 |
| Davenport A+ School Lenoir | 3.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Horizons Elementary Lenoir | 4.2 mi | — |
| Whitnel Elementary Lenoir | 3.9 mi | 5.9 |
| Valmead Elementary Lenoir | 4.5 mi | 3.0 |
| Lower Creek Elementary Lenoir | 5.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Collettsville School Collettsville | 5.3 mi | 4.7 |
| Baton Elementary Granite Falls | 6.2 mi | 6.0 |
| William Lenoir Middle Lenoir | 5.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Hibriten High Lenoir | 6.0 mi | 4.5 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hudson | 6.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Caldwell Early College Hudson | 6.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy Hudson | 6.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Happy Valley Elementary Lenoir | 7.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Hudson Elementary Hudson | 6.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Hudson Middle Hudson | 6.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Heritage Middle Valdese | 8.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Burke Virtual Academy Valdese | 8.8 mi | — |
| Jimmy C Draughn High School Valdese | 8.7 mi | 7.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28645 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$50,529
Median Home Value
$157,800
Median Rent
$726/mo
Population
46,237
College Educated
17.3%
Homeownership
71.7%
Avg Commute
28 min
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Median Age
46.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Southwest High Jacksonville, NC | 3.7 |
| James Kenan High Warsaw, NC | 3.8 |
| West Iredell High Statesville, NC | 3.8 |
| East Columbus Junior-Senior High Lake Waccamaw, NC | 3.6 |
| West Craven High Vanceboro, NC | 3.9 |
| J. F. Webb High Oxford, NC | 3.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Caldwell High
What grades does West Caldwell High serve?
West Caldwell High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend West Caldwell High?
West Caldwell High has an enrollment of approximately 687 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Caldwell High?
The student-teacher ratio at West Caldwell High is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Caldwell High rank in NC?
West Caldwell High ranks #2,434 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is West Caldwell High's MySchoolScout rating?
West Caldwell High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 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 West Caldwell High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, West Caldwell High has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is West Caldwell High a charter school?
No, West Caldwell High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Caldwell High a Title I school?
No, West Caldwell High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Caldwell High?
99.1% of students at West 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
- 687
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 47
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Caldwell County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 43.2%
- Phone
- (828) 758-5583
- 4-Year Graduation
- 82.0%
Resources & Links
District
Caldwell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 10,665
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,066
- District Rank
- #22 of 23
Other Schools in This District
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