For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 5,472 students in Cornelius, NC (there are , serving 294 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Cornelius, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC are William Amos Hough High School, Bailey Middle School and J.v. Washam Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cornelius, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Cornelius have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best ÎÛÎÛÂþ» Schools in Cornelius, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
William Amos Hough High School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12420 Bailey Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 344-0514
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 344-0514
Gr: 9-12 | 2,503 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #22.
Bailey Middle School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11900 Bailey Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Gr: 6-8 | 1,325 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
J.v. Washam Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9611 Westmoreland Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Gr: K-5 | 810 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #44.
Cornelius Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21126 Catawba Ave
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Gr: K-5 | 556 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #55.
Lakeside Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
17609 Old Statesville Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Gr: K-8 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Cornelius, NC include William Amos Hough High School, Bailey Middle School and J.v. Washam Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cornelius?
5 public schools are located in Cornelius.
What percentage of students in Cornelius go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Cornelius are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cornelius?
Cornelius public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cornelius are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cornelius include: Cornelius Elementary School vs. J.v. Washam Elementary School, J.v. Washam Elementary School vs. Cornelius Elementary School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex ÎÛÎÛÂþ» Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.