Average
#1168 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 44% in state
Wilkes Central High School
High School · Wilkes County Schools
1179 Moravian Falls Rd, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Enrollment
737
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
737
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Wilkesboro
#2 of 4
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#97 of 579
In district
#11 of 22
Wilkes County Schools
Equity
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About Wilkes Central High School
Wilkes Central High School serves 737 students in grades 9-12 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, maintaining a solid academic reputation with a 7.0 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout. The school ranks in the 71st percentile statewide, placing it at #762 among North Carolina's 2,661 schools. With 48 full-time equivalent teachers, Wilkes Central maintains a manageable 15.4:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for meaningful classroom interactions.
Academically, students show particular strength in mathematics, with 63% achieving proficient or above levels, while 54% demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and reading. The school draws from a community where the median household income is $47,340 and about one in four residents holds a bachelor's degree or higher. The surrounding ZIP code area has a population of 13,751, with median home values around $183,800 and a poverty rate of 19.2%, reflecting a working-class community that values education and stability.
Located on Moravian Falls Road, Wilkes Central High School sits in a rural setting near town, offering students the benefits of a close-knit educational environment while maintaining access to broader community resources and opportunities in the Wilkesboro area.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Wilkes Central High School 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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Wilkes Central High School — Students at Wilkes Central High School score 55% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.6%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 7.5/10.
How Wilkes Central High School Compares
See how Wilkes Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 54.9% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 45% (2019) to 54.5% (2025).
Location
1179 Moravian Falls Rd, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Wilkes Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ECKERD - BOOMER CAMPUS (rated 6.4/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Boomer), with a comparable rating. Another option is Wilkes Early College High School (rated 5.7/10, 1.8 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, West Wilkes High School (rated 5.3/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Millers Creek), a more accessible option. For more schools in Wilkesboro, see our Wilkesboro schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28697 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,217
Median Home Value
$190,700
Median Rent
$763/mo
Population
13,412
College Educated
23.5%
Homeownership
68.2%
Avg Commute
22.7 min
Poverty Rate
15.1%
Median Age
42.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Wilkes Central High School has a median household income of $55,217. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $190,700, with a median rent of $763/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.1%. The average commute for residents is 23 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 Academy of Technology and Arts Monroe, NC | 6.8 |
| Nash Central High Rocky Mount, NC | 6.8 |
| Princeton High Princeton, NC | 6.8 |
| Northwest School of the Arts Charlotte, NC | 6.7 |
| Pisgah High Canton, NC | 6.7 |
| Northwood High Pittsboro, NC | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wilkes Central High School
What grades does Wilkes Central High School serve?
Wilkes Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Wilkes Central High School?
Wilkes Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 737 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Wilkes Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Wilkes Central High School is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Wilkes Central High School rank in NC?
Wilkes Central High School is ranked #1168 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Wilkes Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Wilkes Central High School has a composite rating of 6.8 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 Wilkes Central High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Wilkes Central High School has 44.6% math proficiency and 52.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Wilkes Central High School a charter school?
No, Wilkes Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Wilkes Central High School a Title I school?
No, Wilkes Central High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Wilkes Central High School?
99.6% of students at Wilkes Central High School 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 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Wilkesboro). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 737
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Wilkes County
- Phone
- (336) 667-5277
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Wilkes County Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,625
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,150
- District Rank
- #11 of 22
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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