Best High Schools in Zip Code 28445

Zip code 28445 in Holly Ridge, North Carolina, is served by exactly one public high school: Dixon High, which enrolls roughly 1,085 students in grades 9–12 and currently ranks #214 out of 662 high schools statewide, placing it in the 68th percentile. Dixon High is part of Onslow County Schools, and it consistently outperforms both its district and the state on End-of-Course (EOC) exams. In the most recent testing year, Dixon High exceeded the state average in Biology (77.8% proficiency, a remarkable +19.3-point margin), Math III (79.8%, +10.9 points), English II (74.5%, +9.9 points), and Math I (46.2%, +4.1 points). Biology and Math III are clear strengths, but Math I remains a relative weak point, with fewer than half of students proficient.

Dixon High’s academic profile has generally improved over the past three years. Its state rank moved from #258 in 2023–2024 (60th percentile, 3 stars) to #187 in 2024–2025 (71st percentile, 4 stars), before settling at its current #214 ranking with a 3-star rating, still above its earlier standing. Year-over-year gains were especially strong in Biology (+12.2 points) and Math I (+5.7 points), while Math III held steady near 80% proficiency. As the only high school in the zip code, Dixon High is the standout by default, but it also stands on its own merits: its academic performance is notably better than the district overall, which currently earns a 2-star rating.

Other key metrics show a school that supports students well overall. Dixon High’s graduation rate is 91.7%, above the state average of 88.8%, though chronic absenteeism is a concern—25.4% of students are chronically absent, higher than both the district (22.7%) and state (24.2%). Roughly 31% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and per-pupil spending is approximately $9,119 (2018–2019 data), with a student-teacher ratio of 18.8. In short, Dixon High presents a solid, above-average option for families in the 28445 area, with strong science and math outcomes, a positive performance trend, and a clear need to address both foundational math proficiency and attendance challenges.