08/24/2026
Gray Stone ranks among top public high schools
By Staff Reports
Gray Stone Day School
Misenheimer, NC - Gray Stone Day School has earned the No. 27 ranking among all public high schools in North Carolina in the newly released 2026-2027 Best High Schools ranking from U.S. News & World Report, continuing the school’s recognition among the state’s top-performing public schools.
The ranking, released August 18, places Gray Stone in the top 3% in the nation, improving its position from last year. The annual U.S. News rankings evaluate public high schools using several measures of student performance; including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rates.
This year’s rankings considered approximately 27,000 eligible public high schools nationwide, with nearly 18,000 receiving a national ranking. North Carolina ranked 24 th among the states based on the proportion of its public high schools placing in the top 25% nationally.
“We are incredibly proud to once again see our school being recognized among the best in the state and across the nation. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, faculty and staff, as well as the support from our families and communities. While rankings provide an important measure of academic achievement, what makes us most proud is seeing our students challenge themselves, growing as individuals and being prepared for meaningful futures beyond Gray Stone. We are grateful to everyone who contributes to the culture of excellence that makes this recognition possible,” said Dr. Melissa Smith, high school principal.
Gray Stone Day School is a public charter school serving students in grades 6-12. The school’s college preparatory program serves students from 8 counties across the region and is tuition-free.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/north-carolina/districts/gray-stone-day-school/gray-stone-day-14263
