Challenger Early College High School is a public secondary school in Hickory, North Carolina, United States on the campus of Catawba Valley Community College. Challenger Early College High School is ranked the top high school in Catawba County Schools.
Serving 362 students in grades 9-12, Challenger Early College High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥50% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% 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: 362 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Challenger Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Challenger Early College High School's student population of 362 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
362 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Year Founded
2005
Colors
Purple, Silver
School Rankings
Challenger Early College High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Challenger Early College High School is 0.72, 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
#636 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
24:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
17%
4%
Hispanic
31%
21%
Black
3%
25%
White
39%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Phoenix
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenger Early College High School's ranking?
Challenger Early College High School is ranked #636 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Challenger Early College High School often compared to?
Challenger Early College High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Discovery High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Challenger Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Challenger Early College High School is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Challenger Early College High School?
362 students attend Challenger Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Challenger Early College High School students are White, 31% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Challenger Early College High School?
Challenger Early College High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Challenger Early College High School offer ?
Challenger Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Challenger Early College High School part of?
Challenger Early College High School is part of Catawba County Schools School District.
School Reviews
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