For the 2025-26 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 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ in Cornelius, NC (2025-26)
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

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.