Hickory High School is located in Hickory, North Carolina, United States. It is a public high school in the Hickory City School system, located in Catawba County.
Serving 1,034 students in grades 9-12, Hickory High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,034 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hickory High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Hickory High School's student population of 1,034 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,034 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
1917
School Rankings
Hickory High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hickory High School is 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#995 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
4%
Hispanic
32%
21%
Black
20%
25%
White
33%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tommy The Tornado
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hickory High School's ranking?
Hickory High School is ranked #995 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Hickory High School often compared to?
Hickory High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Saint Stephens High School, Newton-conover High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hickory High School?
The graduation rate of Hickory High School is 84%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Hickory High School?
1,034 students attend Hickory High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Hickory High School students are White, 32% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Hickory High School?
Hickory High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Hickory High School offer ?
Hickory High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hickory High School part of?
Hickory High School is part of Hickory City Schools School District.
School Reviews
4 10/20/2021
Hickory High has improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years under the leadership of Rebecca Tuttle. She has successfully recruited many new teachers who have been excellent. My kids are working hard and being challenged with solid material. They are scoring well on AP exams and have been given opportunities to lead in service and in athletics. Hickory High is also very diverse which I see as a strength. Learning to work with and respect kids who are different than you is something I want my kids to embrace.
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