Serving 1,279 students in grades 9-12, Watauga High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 85-89% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 73% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,279 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 73% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Watauga High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Watauga High School's student population of 1,279 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 105 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,279 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
105 teachers
School Rankings
Watauga High School ranks within the top 10% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Watauga High School is 0.31, which is less 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
#147 out of 2617 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
12%
21%
Black
1%
25%
White
82%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watauga High School's ranking?
Watauga High School is ranked #147 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Watauga High School often compared to?
Watauga High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like South Caldwell High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 73% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Watauga High School?
The graduation rate of Watauga High School is 89%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Watauga High School?
1,279 students attend Watauga High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Watauga High School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Watauga High School?
Watauga High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Watauga High School offer ?
Watauga High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Watauga High School part of?
Watauga High School is part of Watauga County Schools School District.
School Reviews
3 8/20/2019
You have some really involved and good teachers at WHS however, you have administrators that are not worthy of their salaries. From those who do not know their own handbook to those who dress inappropriately and carry on like little school girls themselves, it is a disgrace to have this typesetting examples for the youth of Watauga County.
5 11/2/2018
Honestly it's a good school.
2 9/27/2011
Too many Fucking pigs.
Review Watauga High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
