Denver’s public schools outscore 66% of North Carolina districts
On the state math tests, 60% of Denver’s students scored proficient, above the North Carolina average (51%). The grade covers the public school district serving Denver, 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.
Denver’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 327 North Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Denver’s, its schools beat 81%, higher than their 66% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 53% and math 60% in spring 2022, against 50% and 51% statewide; 89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $11,392 per student, against $13,045 across North Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then four middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
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 Denver’s grade
B+: better than 66% of North Carolina school districts. 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 Denver, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Denver
Rock Springs Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 639 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Denver’s public schools are run by Lincoln County Schools, which also serves Lincolnton. 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.
Above the state in reading
Denver vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the North Carolina towns that share Denver’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | B+ | Lincoln County Schools |
Every school in Denver
9 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 Denver’s schools
Are Denver’s schools good?
By North Carolina’s own tests, yes: the public schools Denver children attend outscore 66% of North Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 81%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Denver in?
Lincoln County Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 11,710 students in 22 schools (2024–25).
Where do Denver kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: North Lincoln High, East Lincoln High, Lincolnton High and West Lincoln High.
What is Denver’s graduation rate?
89% of the class of 2023 in Lincoln County Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina.
How much does Denver spend per student?
$11,392 in Lincoln County Schools (FY2024), against $13,045 across North Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Denver families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Denver → 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.