Shelby High

Summary:

Shelby High is a public high school in Shelby, North Carolina, serving 825 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Cleveland County Schools district, which is ranked 121 out of 242 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Shelby High faces several challenges, including a more diverse student population compared to nearby schools, with higher percentages of African American (47.64%) and Hispanic (8.73%) students. Academically, the school's performance, as measured by End-of-Course (EOC) test scores, is generally lower than the district and state averages across various subjects. Shelby High has consistently ranked in the bottom half of North Carolina high schools, with a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past several years, indicating below-average performance compared to other schools in the state. The school's performance also varies significantly across different student subgroups, with African American, Hispanic, and low socioeconomic status students tending to perform worse than their peers at the district and state levels.

Shelby High's declining performance and significant disparities in subgroup performance are concerning. The school is located in close proximity to several higher-performing schools, such as Crest High and Cleveland ECHS, which consistently outperform Shelby High on academic measures. Additionally, the high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (over 65%) indicates that the school serves a population with significant economic challenges, which can impact academic outcomes. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions and partnerships with higher-performing schools could be crucial for improving Shelby High's overall outcomes and providing a more equitable education for all students.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 230 E Dixon Boulevard
       Shelby, NC  28152-6716


(704) 476-8325

District: Cleveland County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
505th of 640 North Carolina High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,492 Help


Feeder schools for Shelby High:

Elementary:    Elizabeth Elementary
    James Love Elementary
    Jefferson Elementary
Middle:    Shelby Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  14.8 Help
Number of students:  790

Racial breakdown:

African American:
49.4%
White:
32.4%
Hispanic:
9.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  99.6% Help


 See top rated North Carolina high schools

 Compare Shelby High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Shelby High ranks worse than 78.9% of high schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 5th among 6 ranked high schools in the Cleveland County Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 21.34. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (49.4%), White (32.4%), Hispanic (9.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 99.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Shelby High is 14.8, which is the 2nd best among 6 high schools in the Cleveland County Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Shelby High employs 53.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Shelby High is $9,492, which is the 3rd highest among 6 high schools in the Cleveland County Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Shelby High:

SchoolDigger ranks Shelby High 505th of 640 North Carolina public high schools. (See Shelby High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Cleveland County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Cleveland County Schools 121st of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Shelby High.

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Rank History for Shelby High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 44.63 279th 431 35.3%
2007 46.00 263rd 453 41.9%
2008 45.06 288th 477 39.6%
2009 38.07 355th 490 27.6%
2010 44.24 325th 499 34.9%
2011 45.79 318th 506 37.2%
2012 26.95 388th 502 22.7%
2013 28.66 320th 505 36.6%
2014 28.50 290th 451 35.7%
2015 34.87 298th 531 43.9%
2016 31.40 306th 507 39.6%
2017 20.17 374th 476 21.4%
2018 20.28 374th 469 20.3%
2019 21.07 397th 514 22.8%
2021 30.88 391st 594 34.2%
2022 29.13 441st 621 29.0%
2023 21.91 499th 626 20.3%
2024 21.34 505th 640 21.1%
See the entire list of North Carolina High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 8.89 176th 185 4.9%
2023 43.87 139th 249 44.2%
2024 23.40 223rd 261 14.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 22.49 309th 349 11.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.68 381st 424 10.1%
2019 16.11 402nd 446 9.9%
2021 31.18 267th 432 38.2%
2022 32.07 357th 544 34.4%
2023 22.33 491st 597 17.8%
2024 20.87 507th 613 17.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 26.35 337th 449 24.9%
2019 26.81 352nd 475 25.9%
2021 28.58 304th 475 36.0%
2022 35.82 374th 594 37.0%
2023 21.31 479th 588 18.5%
2024 20.08 492nd 602 18.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.91 319th 349 8.6%
2019 35.61 229th 364 37.1%
2021 22.38 298th 334 10.8%
2022 20.47 299th 330 9.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 64.85 28th 100 72.0%
2019 42.96 218th 325 32.9%
2021 63.15 132nd 337 60.8%
2022 48.51 262nd 398 34.2%
2023 37.38 319th 403 20.8%
2024 14.31 383rd 403 5.0%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 12.82 411th 463 11.2%
2019 12.86 438th 488 10.2%
2021 31.14 294th 481 38.9%
2022 22.21 463rd 585 20.9%
2023 20.28 491st 602 18.4%
2024 21.49 489th 607 19.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 15.76 328th 359 8.6%
2019 19.79 326th 369 11.7%
2021 35.40 192nd 364 47.3%
2022 29.53 297th 430 30.9%
2023 19.00 384th 434 11.5%
2024 27.83 322nd 437 26.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 20.64 287th 340 15.6%
2019 26.33 281st 354 20.6%
2021 34.46 223rd 370 39.7%
2022 33.12 292nd 436 33.0%
2023 23.00 374th 449 16.7%
2024 37.98 258th 454 43.2%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Shelby High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 38.78 263rd 427 38.4%
2019 37.32 266th 444 40.1%
2021 45.16 197th 439 55.1%
2022 39.90 317th 534 40.6%
2023 39.23 334th 537 37.8%
2024 26.31 434th 553 21.5%
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.

Shelby High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

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Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Open Quote This website 'ranking' is disappointing, and not accurate if you ask the locals who care about education. Shelby High has great teachers, school board, parental involvement, and high goals- which are met by students, just not the 'majority'. Although demographic averages score SHS low here, these stats do not reflect the above average component of SHS. I went there, as did my 3 children. Full load of AP courses offered the college-bound component of SHS does excellent: many scholarships to competitive universities, high SAT's scores, and high expectations from teachers. Also- great arts programs: Theater is Broadway quality, and music (orchestra & band) are excellent as well. The cream of the crop sector is not reflected in these scores which are skewed low as an overall score. Good portion of students score in 4-5-plus GPA. f your child wants to be challenged- Shelby High is a great school, and with enough peer/parent support to steer them wherever they want to go in life. This is the county seat school, so low-income increases have blurred the good reputation if only number here are used to evaluate the school. Too much data left out! Many clubs, great football program (state champs several times) etc. make this school one to be proud of, and to be noticed by excellent colleges, even Ivy league.
I suggest parents ask locals in the know, rather than use this website as a deterrent as far as moving into this district. Shelby 'inner city' schools are always great, even tho' demographics have altered in the county. They 'city' schools have had a long history of monetary support (the best facilities- swimming pool, state of the art theater), much more positive is present than these few categories of ranks suggest. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Shelby High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2005 365 453 7 14 0 n/a n/a 0 839
2006 412 533 10 22 0 n/a n/a 0 977
2007 434 503 4 22 0 n/a n/a 18 981
2008 438 529 4 26 1 n/a n/a 17 1015
2009 465 546 5 30 2 n/a n/a 0 1048
2010 441 515 5 18 0 n/a n/a 0 979
2011 411 477 6 33 0 0 50 0 977
2012 377 452 9 32 0 0 51 0 921
2013 342 422 11 22 0 0 54 0 851
2014 311 384 12 23 0 0 55 0 785
2015 329 411 11 31 0 0 47 0 829
2016 344 421 8 37 0 0 39 0 849
2017 341 417 5 48 0 0 38 0 849
2018 354 445 5 51 0 0 44 0 899
2019 329 461 6 66 0 0 36 0 898
2020 318 420 7 64 1 0 23 0 833
2021 313 397 6 69 0 2 24 0 811
2022 305 415 8 65 0 3 33 0 829
2023 290 393 12 72 2 2 54 0 825
2024 256 390 8 75 1 2 58 0 790

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 Shelby High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 839 61.0 13.8 39.7
2006 977 61.0 16.0 43.1
2007 981 69.0 14.2 44.1
2008 1015 71.8 14.1 45.5
2009 1048 72.7 14.4 46.5
2010 979 69.1 14.1 52.9
2011 977 71.0 13.7 56.9
2012 921 68.9 13.3 57.1
2013 851 67.8 12.5 58.6
2014 785 66.1 11.8 61
2015 829 65.0 12.7 60.8
2016 849 61.0 13.9 61.6
2017 849 61.4 13.8 60
2018 899 57.5 15.6 58.7
2019 898 52.6 17.0 54.9
2020 833 56.1 14.8 55.1
2021 811 55.4 14.6 56.7
2022 829 55.2 14.9 51.9
2023 825 52.7 15.6 65.2
2024 790 53.3 14.8 99.6

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 Shelby High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 839 61.0 13.8 39.7
2006 977 61.0 16.0 43.1
2007 981 69.0 14.2 44.1
2008 1015 71.8 14.1 45.5
2009 1048 72.7 14.4 46.5
2010 979 69.1 14.1 52.9
2011 977 71.0 13.7 56.9
2012 921 68.9 13.3 57.1
2013 851 67.8 12.5 58.6
2014 785 66.1 11.8 61
2015 829 65.0 12.7 60.8
2016 849 61.0 13.9 61.6
2017 849 61.4 13.8 60
2018 899 57.5 15.6 58.7
2019 898 52.6 17.0 54.9
2020 833 56.1 14.8 55.1
2021 811 55.4 14.6 56.7
2022 829 55.2 14.9 51.9
2023 825 52.7 15.6 65.2
2024 790 53.3 14.8 99.6

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 Shelby High

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $690 (7.3%) $8,802 (92.7%) $9,492

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Shelby 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 397th of 514 High schoolsRanks 499th of 626 High schools
 2.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Biology (Shelby High)47.241
 6.2%
   End of Course Biology (Cleveland County Schools)62.955.3
 7.6%
   End of Course Biology (North Carolina)59.654.1
 5.5%
End of Course English II (Shelby High)45.945.6
 0.3%
   End of Course English II (Cleveland County Schools)52.653.9
 1.3%
   End of Course English II (North Carolina)59.758.5
 1.2%
End of Course Math I (Shelby High)14.716.8
 2.1%
   End of Course Math I (Cleveland County Schools)39.136.5
 2.6%
   End of Course Math I (North Carolina)41.235.9
 5.3%
End of Course Math III (Shelby High)2034.2
 14.2%
   End of Course Math III (Cleveland County Schools)37.556.4
 18.9%
   End of Course Math III (North Carolina)46.858.3
 11.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students898825
 8.1%
African American461393
 14.8%
American Indian02
Asian612
 100%
Hispanic6672
 9.1%
Pacific Islander02
White329290
 11.9%
Two or More Races3654
 50%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients54.9%65.2%
 10.3%


Schools Near Shelby High









Frequently Asked Questions about Shelby High

Shelby High ranks in the bottom 21.1% of North Carolina high schools.

In the 2023-24 school year, 790 students attended Shelby High.

Students at Shelby High are 49% African American, 32% White, 9% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

Shelby High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Elizabeth Elementary
Elementary : James Love Elementary
Elementary : Jefferson Elementary
Middle : Shelby Middle


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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