- Oak Hill Elementary — 1.0 mi · Grades PK–5 · 310 students
- Table Rock Middle — 1.3 mi · Grades 6–8 · 427 students
- Freedom High — 2.1 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,299 students
- Mountain View Elementary — 2.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 762 students
- Glen Alpine Elementary — 3.1 mi · Grades PK–5 · 295 students
- W A Young Elementary — 3.2 mi · Grades PK–5 · 327 students
- Forest Hill Elementary — 3.5 mi · Grades PK–5 · 305 students
- Walter R Johnson Middle — 3.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 441 students
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| Metric | Burke County Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 11,770 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 27 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,542/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 29% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Above average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 115 rated districts in NC → 60th percentile → 7/10.
Source: North Carolina Dept. of Public Instruction EOG, grades 3–8 Reading & Math Grade Level Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Burke County Schools
Burke County Schools serves zip code 28655, covering Morganton, North Carolina with grades Pre-K – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
With a rating of 7/10 (above average), Burke County Schools ranks among North Carolina’s above average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in North Carolina’s EOG grades 3–8 Reading & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because North Carolina is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Burke County Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in North Carolina. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 28655
Children in zip code 28655 are assigned to Burke County Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 28655, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Burke County Schools at (828)439-4311 or visit www.burke.k12.nc.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — North Carolina districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Morganton
For families considering a purchase in the Morganton area, district assignment matters financially. Because Burke County Schools serves zip code 28655, homes in and around zip code 28655 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In North Carolina, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Burke County Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 28655.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Burke County Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 28655 data.