For the 2025 school year, there are 10 private schools serving 1,615 students in Hickory, NC (there are 18 public schools, serving 8,719 public students). 16% of all K-12 students in Hickory, NC are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
The top ranked private schools in Hickory, NC include Hickory Christian Academy, Tabernacle Christian School, and St. Stephens Lutheran School.
The average acceptance rate is 77%, which is lower than the North Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 80%.
80% of private schools in Hickory, NC are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Top Ranked Hickory Private Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Hickory Christian Academy
(Christian)
3260 6th St. Dr. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-5405
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-5405
Grades: PK-12
| 520 students
2304 Springs Rd NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2166
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2166
Grades: PK-8
| 228 students
1225 29th Avenue Dr NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-9936
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-9936
Grades: K-12
| 287 students
602 7th Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 855-2995
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 855-2995
Grades: 9-12
| 151 students
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Special Education School (Christian)
231 3rd Ave. Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 781-2227
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 781-2227
Grades: 2-12
| 20 students
Johnston Wh Elementary School![Johnston Wh Elementary School Photo Johnston Wh Elementary School Photo]()

(Seventh Day Adventist)
174 23rd St NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-4005
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-4005
Grades: K-8
| 19 students
Kinderkids At St. Luke's Umc Cdc
Daycare / Preschool (Methodist)
52 16th Avenue Nw
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-4010
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 327-4010
Grades: NS
| 92 students
Little Folks School East
Daycare / Preschool
410 21st Street Se
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-9983
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-9983
Grades: NS-PK
| 62 students
Mt. Olive Lutheran Child Devel
Daycare / Preschool (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
2780 N Center St
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-0120
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-0120
Grades: PK-K
| 100 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Hickory, NC?
The top ranked private schools in Hickory, NC include Hickory Christian Academy, Tabernacle Christian School, and St. Stephens Lutheran School.
How many private schools are located in Hickory?
10 private schools are located in Hickory.
How diverse are private schools in Hickory?
Hickory private schools are approximately 12% minority students, which is lower than the North Carolina private school average of 23%.
What percentage of students in Hickory go to private school?
16% of all K-12 students in Hickory are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Hickory?
80% of private schools in Hickory are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Which private schools in Hickory are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Hickory include: University Christian High School vs. Hickory Christian Academy, Tabernacle Christian School vs. Hickory Christian Academy, Hickory Day School vs. Hickory Christian Academy
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