Needs Improvement
#2510 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
3.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
687
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
3.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lenoir
#12 of 12
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#513 of 579
In district
#23 of 23
Caldwell County Schools
About West Caldwell High
West Caldwell High, located in Lenoir, North Carolina, is a regular public high school serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 687 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14.6:1, the school offers personalized attention to help each student succeed. West Caldwell High has 47 full-time equivalent teachers who are dedicated to supporting their students’ academic and personal growth.
The school’s MySchoolScout rating is 2.8 out of 10, with a state ranking of #2406 out of 2661 schools in North Carolina, placing it in the 10th percentile overall. Academically, West Caldwell High scores an average of 42% proficiency or above in ELA/reading and 31% proficient or above in math across all grades. While these numbers suggest room for improvement, the school is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and development.
West Caldwell High is situated in a rural area near Lenoir, offering students easy access to both small-town charm and some nearby amenities.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, West Caldwell High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
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: 45%).
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 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: 3.7/10.
How West Caldwell High Compares
See how West Caldwell High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 27% (2019) to 28.7% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 37% (2019) to 38.1% (2025).
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 6.1/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Hudson), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jimmy C Draughn High School (rated 5.8/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Valdese), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Caldwell Early College (rated 5.4/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Hudson), 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 | 4.7 |
| Gamewell Elementary Lenoir | 1.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Davenport A+ School Lenoir | 3.4 mi | 7.5 |
| Horizons Elementary Lenoir | 4.2 mi | — |
| Whitnel Elementary Lenoir | 3.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Valmead Elementary Lenoir | 4.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Lower Creek Elementary Lenoir | 5.1 mi | 6.7 |
| Collettsville School Collettsville | 5.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Baton Elementary Granite Falls | 6.2 mi | 7.7 |
| William Lenoir Middle Lenoir | 5.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Hibriten High Lenoir | 6.0 mi | 4.0 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hudson | 6.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Caldwell Early College Hudson | 6.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy Hudson | 6.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Happy Valley Elementary Lenoir | 7.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Hudson Elementary Hudson | 6.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Hudson Middle Hudson | 6.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Heritage Middle Valdese | 8.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Burke Virtual Academy Valdese | 8.8 mi | — |
| Jimmy C Draughn High School Valdese | 8.7 mi | 5.8 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Caldwell High has a median household income of $50,529. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $157,800, with a median rent of $726/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.5%. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| Central Davidson High Lexington, NC | 3.8 |
| East Duplin High Beulaville, NC | 3.8 |
| Pasquotank County High Elizabeth City, NC | 3.8 |
| Southwestern Randolph High School Asheboro, NC | 3.8 |
| Ayden-Grifton High Ayden, NC | 3.7 |
| East Columbus Junior-Senior High Lake Waccamaw, NC | 3.7 |
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 is ranked #2510 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is West Caldwell High's MySchoolScout rating?
West Caldwell High has a composite rating of 3.8 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 West Caldwell High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Caldwell High has 30.9% math proficiency and 42.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,522/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lenoir). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (828) 758-5583
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Caldwell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 10,665
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,066
- District Rank
- #23 of 23
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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