Original Research by School Decision on Kearns Academy
Kearns Academy is a small public high school in High Point serving grades nine through twelve. Enrollment is modest, with roughly one-third of the student body in ninth grade, declining numbers in the upper grades, and a student composition that is roughly evenly split between Black and Hispanic students, with a smaller share of white and Asian students. Nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a mark of economic hardship across the enrollment.
The school sits within Guilford County Schools, a large district serving the Piedmont Triad region. The county passed a historic bond in 2022 to address facility backlogs, funding new schools, rebuilds, and major renovations across the district. Families should be aware that this construction pipeline will reshape which buildings students attend in coming years. Additionally, the county adopted policy changes in 2023 aligned with the state's Parents' Bill of Rights, including modifications to curriculum in early grades and requirements around parental notification for student activities and name or pronoun changes. The district also implemented a new mathematics curriculum in its middle schools using Open Up Resources materials; high school mathematics instruction may reflect similar pedagogical approaches moving forward.
High Point itself is a mid-sized Piedmont city experiencing rapid population growth, driven in part by downtown redevelopment centered on Truist Point stadium and an expanding dining and entertainment district. The city has deep roots in furniture manufacturing and hosts the twice-yearly High Point Market, a major industry event. Residential neighborhoods range from historic districts to mill villages to newer subdivisions. City Lake Park, a large recreational area with swimming, a carousel, and access to the greenway system, anchors community life alongside the public library and a municipal transit system. Walkability is concentrated downtown; elsewhere, residents generally need a car.
Housing in the High Point area is relatively affordable compared to state and national benchmarks. Median home values in the zip code are below the state average, and rental rates are below the national benchmark relative to household income, making the area accessible for families working within the region. The local job market includes legacy employers such as Thomas Built Buses, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Bank of America, Marsh Furniture, and Volvo Group, alongside healthcare and education anchors like High Point Regional UNC Health Care and High Point University.
State testing data for Kearns Academy was not available, nor was a graduation rate, chronic absenteeism rate, or specific data on students with IEPs or English learners. The absence of these metrics often reflects the nature of the school or the grade band and assessment structure; a parent may want to contact the school directly to ask about academic performance, achievement patterns, program offerings, and outcomes for students upon graduation. The school's small enrollment and high concentration of economic need warrant conversation about what academic supports, career pathways, and college-readiness services are available and how the school works with families on student progress.
See more original research from School Decision →