For the 2026 school year, there are 9 private schools serving 1,553 students in 28601, NC (there are 12 public schools, serving 6,627 public students). 19% of all K-12 students in 28601, NC are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
The top-ranked private schools in 28601, NC include St. Stephens Lutheran School, University Christian High School, and Tabernacle Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 77%, which is lower than the North Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 81%.
89% of private schools in 28601, NC are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Top-Ranked 28601 North Carolina Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Hickory Christian Academy
(Christian)
3260 6th St. Dr. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-5405
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-5405
Gr: PK-12 | 520 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2304 Springs Rd NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2166
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2166
Gr: PK-8 | 228 students Avg. class size: 24 students Sports: 10 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
1225 29th Avenue Dr NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-9936
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-9936
Gr: K-12 | 287 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
602 7th Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 855-2995
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 855-2995
Gr: 9-12 | 151 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition listed
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Special Education School (Christian)
231 3rd Ave. Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 781-2227
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 781-2227
Gr: 2-12 | 20 students
2535 21st Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9492
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9492
Gr: K-8 | 136 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 13 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
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
Gr: 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
Gr: NS | 92 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
Gr: PK-K | 100 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in 28601, NC?
The top-ranked private schools in 28601, NC include St. Stephens Lutheran School, University Christian High School, and Tabernacle Christian School.
How many private schools are located in 28601?
9 private schools are located in 28601.
How diverse are private schools in 28601?
28601 private schools are approximately 12% minority students, which is lower than the North Carolina private school average of 24%.
What percentage of students in 28601 go to private school?
19% of all K-12 students in 28601 are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in 28601?
89% of private schools in 28601 are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Recent Articles
Private School Fees Increase Mid-Year: A Parent Action Plan
A 2026 parent action plan for managing mid-year private school tuition increases, including contracts, negotiation tips, and financial options.
Private School Scholarship Scams & Red Flags to Watch Out For (2026 Guide)
Learn how to spot private school scholarship scams in 2026, including red flags, real examples, and expert tips to protect families.
Diversity in Private Schools: Progress and Obstacles in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing diversity in 2026, key gains made, ongoing challenges, and what families should know.


