For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,666 students in 28690, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in 28690, NC are Draughn High School, Heritage Middle School and Valdese Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28690 have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28690, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28690, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Draughn High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
709 Lovelady Road Ne
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 879-4200
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 879-4200
Gr: 9-12 | 661 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Heritage Middle School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1951 Enon Road
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0731
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0731
Gr: 6-8 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Valdese Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
298 Praley Street
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0704
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 874-0704
Gr: PK-5 | 530 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: n/an/a
Heritage Middle School, 1951 E
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 448-3175
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 448-3175
Gr: K-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28690, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28690, NC include Draughn High School, Heritage Middle School and Valdese Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28690?
4 public schools are located in 28690.
What is the racial composition of students in 28690?
28690 public schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.