Education
In Caldwell County, our teachers and educational leaders are dedicated to teaching your children in a safe and welcoming environment. In 2023:
The Caldwell County School System is a nationally accredited public school district enrolling nearly 11,000 students in grades PreK-13. Our high school choices include three comprehensive, two innovative on the campus of Caldwell Community College and an alternative school. Our school system provides superior Career and Technical Training (CTE), as well as Early College options.
Charter and private schools are also options, including Oak Hill Charter, Christ Classical Academy, Alexander Christian Academy, New Dimensions Charter, Heritage Christian School, Hickory Christian Academy and Hickory Day School, among others.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) is a regional asset serving over 9,200 students annually by offering 40 degrees, 16 diplomas and 32 certificates. Employers can work with CCC&TI to develop the workforce training they need.
Appalachian State University is just under 40 minutes from Lenoir, the county seat of Caldwell County. Even closer to home is the new initiative — App State Hickory Campus — in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metro Area to expand public higher education access and outreach in the area. In the next 20 years, the Hickory Campus is projected to outpace the size and population of App State’s main Boone campus.
CaldWELL EDUCATED
Granite Falls (Grades 6-8)
William Lenoir (Grade 6-8)
Hudson (Grades 6-8)
Gamewell (Grades 6-8)
Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory Campus)
Appalachian State University (Hickory Campus)
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
Gateway School
Horizons Elementary
West Caldwell
South Caldwell
Hibriten
Caldwell Early College
Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy
Caldwell Online Academy
Gamewell (Grades PreK-5)
Whitnel (Grades PreK-5)
Valmead (Grades PreK-2)
Sawmills (Grades PreK-5)
Dudley Shoals (Grades PreK-5)
Hudson (Grades PreK-5)
Lower Creek (Grades PreK-5)
Granite Falls (Grades PreK-5)
Davenport A+ (Grades PreK-5)
Baton (Grades PreK-5)
Kings Creek (Grades PreK-8)
Happy Valley (Grades PreK-8)
Collettsville (Grades PreK-8)
Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
Explore the Caldwell County Itinerary for food, shopping, highlights, lodging and adventures! We invite locals and visitors to delight in the journey and the destination.
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
Caldwell County has the most extensive collection of permanent public outdoor sculptures per capita in the U.S. Our annual Sculpture Celebration is the largest in the South.