Photo: Jeremy Mikkola from Boone, NC · CC BY 2.0Boone’s public schools outscore 80% of North Carolina districts
On the state math tests, 65% of Boone’s students scored proficient, above the North Carolina average (51%). The grade covers the public school district serving Boone, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within North Carolina, not nationally.
From North Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Boone’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 67 North Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Boone’s, its schools beat 99%, higher than their 80% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 63% and math 65% in spring 2022, against 50% and 51% statewide; 91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,322 per student, against $13,045 across North Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then two high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Grace Academy (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Boone’s grade
A−: better than 80% of North Carolina school districts, #16 of 290 North Carolina towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the North Carolina average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Boone, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Boone
Hardin Park Elementary
Grades PK–8 · 854 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Boone · depends on your address
Watauga High
Grades 9–12 · 1,289 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Watauga Innovation Academy
Grades 9–12 · 292 students
10th grade in Boone · depends on your address
Watauga High
Grades 9–12 · 1,289 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Watauga Innovation Academy
Grades 9–12 · 292 students
11th grade in Boone · depends on your address
Watauga High
Grades 9–12 · 1,289 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Watauga Innovation Academy
Grades 9–12 · 292 students
12th grade in Boone · depends on your address
Watauga High
Grades 9–12 · 1,289 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Watauga Innovation Academy
Grades 9–12 · 292 students
Boone’s public schools are run by Watauga County Schools, which also serves Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock and Seven Devils. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Boone vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the North Carolina towns that share Boone’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Boone | A− | Watauga County Schools |
Every school in Boone
4 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with North Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Boone’s schools
Are Boone’s schools good?
By North Carolina’s own tests, yes: the public schools Boone children attend outscore 80% of North Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #16 of 290 North Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 99%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Boone in?
Watauga County Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,658 students in 11 schools (2024–25).
Where do Boone kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Watauga High and Watauga Innovation Academy.
What is Boone’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Watauga County Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina.
How much does Boone spend per student?
$13,322 in Watauga County Schools (FY2024), against $13,045 across North Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Boone?
Yes: Grace Academy (religious, grades K–9, 183 students).
Parents talk
What Boone families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Boone → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within North Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.