Is Watauga High a good school?

Watauga High ranks 153 rd of 640 North Carolina high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Watauga High?

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,272 students attended Watauga High.

What is the racial makeup of Watauga High?

Students at Watauga High are 80% White, 11% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 1% African American, 1% Asian.

What schools feed into Watauga High?

Watauga High is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Bethel Elementary Elementary : Blowing Rock Elementary Elementary : Cove Creek Elementary Elementary : Green Valley Elementary Elementary : Hardin Park Elementary Elementary : Mabel Elementary Elementary : Parkway Elementary Elementary : Valle Crucis Elementary

Watauga High

Summary:

Watauga High is a public high school located in Boone, North Carolina, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,272 students. The school is part of the Watauga County Schools district, which is ranked 47th out of 242 districts in North Carolina and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Watauga High consistently ranks among the top 25% of high schools in North Carolina, with strong academic performance on End-of-Course (EOC) exams that exceeds state and district averages. The school's proficiency rates are particularly impressive in subjects like English II (72.8% vs. 59.7% state and 70.9% district) and Math III (78.3% vs. 57.6% state and 76.6% district). Watauga High also performs exceptionally well for its multi-racial and special education students, ranking among the top schools in the state for these subgroups. However, the school's performance for English Language Learners (ELL) and low socioeconomic status (SES) students is less strong, suggesting potential areas for improvement.

Compared to nearby schools, such as Avery County High and Ashe County High, Watauga High outperforms them on most academic metrics. However, the Ashe County Early College High School, a smaller school within the Ashe County district, consistently outperforms Watauga High, particularly in Math and English. Watauga High's higher per-student spending and lower student-teacher ratio compared to nearby schools may contribute to its strong academic performance and ability to allocate resources effectively to support student learning.

Detail:

Public 9-12

300 Go Pioneers Drive
Boone, NC 28607

(828) 264-2407

District: Watauga County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
153^rd of 640 North Carolina High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,160

Feeder schools for Watauga High:

Elementary:	Bethel Elementary
	Blowing Rock Elementary
	Cove Creek Elementary
	Green Valley Elementary
	More...
	Hardin Park Elementary
	Mabel Elementary
	Parkway Elementary
	Valle Crucis Elementary

Student/teacher ratio: 12.8

Number of students: 1,272

Racial breakdown:

White:

80.0%

Hispanic:

10.8%

Two or more races:

6.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 32.8%

See top rated North Carolina high schools

Compare Watauga High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Watauga High ranks better than 76.1% of high schools in North Carolina. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 75.21. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (80%), Hispanic (10.8%), two or more races (6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 32.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Watauga High is 12.8. (See more...)

Compare Watauga High employs 99.3 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Watauga High is $11,160.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Watauga High:

SchoolDigger ranks Watauga High 153^rd of 640 North Carolina public high schools. (See Watauga High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Multi-racial students:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Gifted and Talented students:

Male students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Watauga County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Watauga County Schools 47^th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

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Rank History for Watauga High

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Rank History for all students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2006	69.80	76^th	431	82.4%
2007	73.74	52^nd	453	88.5%
2008	67.80	86^th	477	82.0%
2009	63.16	134^th	490	72.7%
2010	71.59	64^th	499	87.2%
2011	66.92	113^th	506	77.7%
2012	59.50	153^rd	502	69.5%
2013	54.11	123^rd	505	75.6%
2014	63.88	98^th	451	78.3%
2015	65.19	97^th	531	81.7%
2016	57.29	119^th	507	76.5%
2017	59.79	133^rd	476	72.1%
2018	75.48	79^th	469	83.2%
2019	74.61	72^nd	514	86.0%
2021	75.75	124^th	594	79.1%
2022	78.18	137^th	621	77.9%
2023	78.85	133^rd	626	78.8%
2024	75.21	153^rd	640	76.1%

See the entire list of North Carolina High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2022	88.32	20^th	226	91.2%
2023	77.14	43^rd	249	82.7%
2024	83.48	30^th	261	88.5%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2022	57.34	43^rd	156	72.4%
2023	18.63	220^th	226	2.7%
2024	36.92	155^th	262	40.8%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	73.84	42^nd	349	88.0%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2018	44.68	196^th	424	53.8%
2019	54.03	110^th	446	75.3%
2021	63.83	50^th	432	88.4%
2022	66.16	139^th	544	74.4%
2023	66.15	153^rd	597	74.4%
2024	57.77	199^th	613	67.5%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2018	81.66	51^st	449	88.6%
2019	73.02	80^th	475	83.2%
2021	80.56	46^th	475	90.3%
2022	77.60	133^rd	594	77.6%
2023	79.79	115^th	588	80.4%
2024	76.51	149^th	602	75.2%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2018	60.45	79^th	349	77.4%
2019	81.43	26^th	364	92.9%
2021	52.96	107^th	334	68.0%
2022	69.23	50^th	330	84.8%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2019	67.60	87^th	325	73.2%
2021	81.29	13^th	337	96.1%
2023	76.12	81^st	403	79.9%
2024	74.26	77^th	403	80.9%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2018	67.05	108^th	463	76.7%
2019	74.11	64^th	488	86.9%
2021	69.85	79^th	481	83.6%
2022	78.17	133^rd	585	77.3%
2023	76.37	144^th	602	76.1%
2024	72.85	158^th	607	74.0%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2018	35.46	217^th	340	36.2%
2019	56.26	87^th	354	75.4%
2021	54.82	87^th	370	76.5%
2022	59.33	130^th	436	70.2%
2023	60.77	132^nd	449	70.6%
2024	44.96	220^th	454	51.5%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Watauga High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NC State Percentile
2018	63.97	132^nd	427	69.1%
2019	63.17	121^st	444	72.7%
2021	66.24	100^th	439	77.2%
2022	70.68	160^th	534	70.0%
2023	72.24	149^th	537	72.3%
2024	72.23	160^th	553	71.1%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a student
Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Watauga High School is a great school! We have may teachers that are willing to help you with anything. All the teachers here want to see everyone succeed. We have a lot of extra circular activity's like Football,Baseball,Basketball,Volleyball,and a variety of clubs. Anything you can picture at a dream school we have Close Quote

Enrollment information for Watauga High

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	1373	19	4	4	0	n/a	n/a	0	1400
1989	1284	19	5	6	3	n/a	n/a	0	1317
1990	1217	13	7	6	3	n/a	n/a	0	1246
1991	1233	16	4	5	4	n/a	n/a	0	1262
1992	1242	13	3	4	5	n/a	n/a	0	1267
1993	1258	14	5	2	3	n/a	n/a	0	1282
1994	1338	19	8	2	3	n/a	n/a	0	1370
1995	1381	28	8	5	1	n/a	n/a	0	1423
1996	1381	28	8	5	1	n/a	n/a	0	1423
1997	1393	24	10	7	1	n/a	n/a	0	1435
1998	1424	21	8	8	1	n/a	n/a	0	1462
1999	1488	20	8	7	2	n/a	n/a	0	1525
2000	1488	17	7	8	2	n/a	n/a	0	1522
2001	1505	20	6	13	0	n/a	n/a	0	1544
2002	1453	22	12	13	4	n/a	n/a	0	1504
2003	1453	22	12	13	4	n/a	n/a	0	1504
2004	1463	29	9	14	2	n/a	n/a	0	1517
2005	1406	37	13	23	3	n/a	n/a	0	1482
2006	1414	33	13	20	2	n/a	n/a	0	1482
2007	1411	8	17	21	1	n/a	n/a	18	1476
2008	1331	8	14	29	0	n/a	n/a	22	1404
2009	1376	34	14	34	0	n/a	n/a	0	1458
2010	1320	45	15	41	1	n/a	n/a	0	1422
2011	1269	16	18	60	0	1	56	0	1420
2012	1285	12	13	55	2	1	74	0	1442
2013	1314	14	19	68	2	0	44	0	1461
2014	1197	11	17	76	3	0	56	0	1360
2015	1215	12	16	78	3	1	40	0	1365
2016	1206	12	14	75	2	2	40	0	1351
2017	1040	11	16	70	0	3	40	0	1180
2018	985	9	12	72	1	2	35	0	1116
2019	1001	12	10	86	1	0	31	0	1141
2020	1028	13	14	93	1	1	31	0	1181
2021	1060	13	15	107	2	1	31	0	1229
2022	1027	18	12	116	4	1	58	0	1236
2023	1018	19	16	138	4	1	76	0	1272

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Watauga High

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	1400	95.0	14.7	10.5
1989	1317	95.0	13.8	21.7
1990	1246	95.0	13.1	13.6
1991	1262	95.0	13.2	13.5
1992	1267	96.0	13.1	4.6
1993	1282	88.0	14.6	9.5
1994	1370	95.0	14.4	9
1995	1423	94.0	15.1	8.8
1996	1423	94.0	15.1	8.8
1997	1435	102.0	14.1	8.2
1998	1462	104.0	14.1	8.1
1999	1525	111.0	13.7	10.6
2000	1522	107.0	14.2	11
2001	1544	114.0	13.5	12.8
2002	1504	120.0	12.5	10.8
2003	1504	120.0	12.5	10.8
2004	1517	120.0	12.6	12.6
2005	1482	120.0	12.4	13.4
2006	1482	120.0	12.4	17.8
2007	1476	110.1	13.4	19.4
2008	1404	111.5	12.6	19.1
2009	1458	109.1	13.4	19.3
2010	1422	93.4	15.2	21.7
2011	1420	81.6	17.3	25.4
2012	1442	101.5	14.1	28.2
2013	1461	104.6	13.9	28.7
2014	1360	101.7	13.3	30.5
2015	1365	102.0	13.3	30.2
2016	1351	101.0	13.3	32.6
2017	1180	103.2	11.4	23.7
2018	1116	102.6	10.8	22
2019	1141	101.2	11.2	21.9
2020	1181	97.9	12.0	21.8
2021	1229	95.5	12.8	18.5
2022	1236	103.2	11.9	17.6
2023	1272	99.3	12.8	32.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Watauga High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	1400	95.0	14.7	10.5
1989	1317	95.0	13.8	21.7
1990	1246	95.0	13.1	13.6
1991	1262	95.0	13.2	13.5
1992	1267	96.0	13.1	4.6
1993	1282	88.0	14.6	9.5
1994	1370	95.0	14.4	9
1995	1423	94.0	15.1	8.8
1996	1423	94.0	15.1	8.8
1997	1435	102.0	14.1	8.2
1998	1462	104.0	14.1	8.1
1999	1525	111.0	13.7	10.6
2000	1522	107.0	14.2	11
2001	1544	114.0	13.5	12.8
2002	1504	120.0	12.5	10.8
2003	1504	120.0	12.5	10.8
2004	1517	120.0	12.6	12.6
2005	1482	120.0	12.4	13.4
2006	1482	120.0	12.4	17.8
2007	1476	110.1	13.4	19.4
2008	1404	111.5	12.6	19.1
2009	1458	109.1	13.4	19.3
2010	1422	93.4	15.2	21.7
2011	1420	81.6	17.3	25.4
2012	1442	101.5	14.1	28.2
2013	1461	104.6	13.9	28.7
2014	1360	101.7	13.3	30.5
2015	1365	102.0	13.3	30.2
2016	1351	101.0	13.3	32.6
2017	1180	103.2	11.4	23.7
2018	1116	102.6	10.8	22
2019	1141	101.2	11.2	21.9
2020	1181	97.9	12.0	21.8
2021	1229	95.5	12.8	18.5
2022	1236	103.2	11.9	17.6
2023	1272	99.3	12.8	32.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Watauga High

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$624 (5.6%)	$10,536 (94.4%)	$11,160

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Watauga High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 72^nd of 514 High schools	Ranks 133^rd of 626 High schools	7.2%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Biology (Watauga High)	71.8	71.4	0.4%
End of Course Biology (Watauga County Schools)	72.1	67.9	4.2%
End of Course Biology (North Carolina)	59.6	54.1	5.5%
End of Course English II (Watauga High)	73.8	69.6	4.2%
End of Course English II (Watauga County Schools)	73.5	66.6	6.9%
End of Course English II (North Carolina)	59.7	58.5	1.2%
End of Course Math I (Watauga High)	63.2	67.7	4.5%
End of Course Math I (Watauga County Schools)	64.6	66.8	2.2%
End of Course Math I (North Carolina)	41.2	35.9	5.3%
End of Course Math III (Watauga High)	64.6	86.6	22%
End of Course Math III (Watauga County Schools)	61.9	85.6	23.7%
End of Course Math III (North Carolina)	46.8	58.3	11.5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1141	1272	11.5%
African American	12	19	58.3%
American Indian	1	4	300%
Asian	10	16	60%
Hispanic	86	138	60.5%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	1001	1018	1.7%
Two or More Races	31	76	145.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	21.9%	32.8%	10.9%

Schools Near Watauga High

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				EOC Biology (2024)	EOC English II (2024)	EOC Math I (2024)	EOC Math III (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	EOC Biology End of Course	EOC English II End of Course	EOC Math I End of Course	EOC Math III End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Watauga High	Public	9-12	300 Go Pioneers Drive	Boone	28607	Watauga County	Watauga County Schools	No	No	No	No	(828) 264-2407	1,272	99	12.8	32.8%	1,018 (80.0%)	19 (1.5%)	138 (10.8%)	16 (1.3%)	4 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	76 (6.0%)	75.2	153^rd of 640 public high schools	76.1%		78.8	133^rd of 626 public high schools	78.8%	20	69.7	72.8	62.6	78.3	$11,160	$624	$10,536
Watauga Innovation Academy	Public	9-12	300 Go Pioneers Drive	Boone	28607	Watauga County	Watauga County Schools	No	No	No	No	(828) 264-2407	274	5	60.8	42.3%	229 (83.6%)	4 (1.5%)	25 (9.1%)	8 (2.9%)	1 (0.4%)	1 (0.4%)	6 (2.2%)	64.6	207^th of 640 public high schools	67.7%		60.4	223^rd of 626 public high schools	64.4%	16	68.2	62.0	54.7	69.9	$2,667	$110	$2,557
Ashe County High	Public	9-12	184 Campus Drive	West Jefferson	28694	Ashe County	Ashe County Schools	No	No	No	No	(336) 846-2400	792	54	14.6	53.8%	663 (83.7%)	4 (0.5%)	100 (12.6%)	4 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (2.7%)	44.8	335^th of 640 public high schools	47.7%		49.3	293^rd of 626 public high schools	53.2%	42	51.9	59.1	41.6	53.6	$10,958	$817	$10,142
Ashe County Early College High	Public	9-12	363 Campus Dr	West Jefferson	28694	Ashe County	Ashe County Schools	No	No	No	No	(336) 846-1881	135	5	27.0	48.1%	105 (77.8%)	1 (0.7%)	25 (18.5%)	2 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.5%)	93.3	49^th of 640 public high schools	92.3%		89.2	79^th of 626 public high schools	87.4%	30	84.2	94.9	81.8	96.5	$11,089	$346	$10,742
Avery County High	Public	9-12	401 Avery County High School R	Newland	28657	Avery County	Avery County Schools	No	No	No	No	(828) 733-0151	613	40	15.3	58.4%	495 (80.8%)	5 (0.8%)	82 (13.4%)	7 (1.1%)	2 (0.3%)	2 (0.3%)	20 (3.3%)	31.1	441^st of 640 public high schools	31.1%		40.2	351^st of 626 public high schools	43.9%	90	41.1	48.1	26.2	54.8	$10,821	$537	$10,285

Watauga High

Watauga High:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Watauga County Schools:

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Rank History for Watauga High

Rank History for all students at Watauga High

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Watauga High

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Watauga High

Rank History for Special Education students at Watauga High

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Watauga High

Rank History for Female students at Watauga High

Rank History for Disabled students at Watauga High

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Watauga High

Rank History for Male students at Watauga High

Rank History for Hispanic students at Watauga High

Rank History for White students at Watauga High

Review counts

Enrollment information for Watauga High

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Watauga High

Student/Teacher Ratio Watauga High

Per Pupil Expenditures for Watauga High

Impact of COVID-19 on Watauga High

Rankings

Test Scores

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