About Orange High School

Orange High School, established in 1963, serves approximately 1300 students who reside in the town of Hillsborough, NC, and surrounding communities in northern Orange County. The Mighty Panthers maintain a long-standing tradition of excellence that is committed to continuous improvement and student success.

OHS takes pride in our excellent teaching staff: One-hundred percent of OHS teachers meet the federal standards for being Highly Qualified in their academic subject; more than half of our teachers have earned a masters degree and have 10 or more years of teaching experience, and 23% of OHS teachers are National Board Certified. Their expertise is an invaluable asset and contributes greatly to the success of our students.

We offer a full spectrum of academic, career and technical, and extra-curricular opportunities for students in grades 9-12 in a block schedule format. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) and community college courses. Students may also enroll in online courses taught through NC Virtual Public High School. Our counseling staff is happy to answer any questions you have about choosing the course of study to meet each student’s desired career path.

Our greatest pride is in the success of our students! OHS graduating classes average more than 3 million dollars in post-secondary scholarship monies each year.

Orange High School is a comprehensive 9-12 school, offering a full complement of academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities. The curriculum includes college preparatory, college/technical preparatory, career/technical education, visual and performing arts, and technical opportunities such as MS Office Specialist Certification, ServSafe Certification, and Linux + Certification. Students also may enroll in online courses via NC Virtual Public School. OHS participates in Career & College Promise with NC community colleges, and the school actively collaborates with various community agencies and organizations. OHS operates a four-period day on a block schedule.  To see a complete list of course offerings please review the OCS High School Course Guide.

Staff

There are 90 certified staff members at Orange High School, including one principal, three assistant principals, four school counselors, one career development coordinator, one media specialist, one social worker, and one school nurse. More than 50% of the faculty hold advanced degrees. Academic, college and personal counseling is provided by the Counseling and Student Services staff.

Community

Orange County is the westernmost county in the Research Triangle Park. Orange County Schools is in close proximity to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and North Carolina State University, as well as several other two-year and four-year institutions, two medical research facilities, over 300 high-tech corporations, and a major airport. Though convenient to larger urban areas, northern Orange County offers its residents a strong economic environment and a high quality of life, while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Mission

At Orange High School, we foster a diverse community of independent learners, constructive thinkers, and responsible citizens.

Vision

Orange High School prepares students to be responsible citizens in a diverse world by promoting academic and individual success.

School Report Card

North Carolina’s school report cards are an important resource for parents, educators, state leaders, researchers, and others, providing information about school- and district-level data in a number of areas. These include student performance and academic growth, school and student characteristics, and many other details.

Click Here for the 2019-20 Orange High School report card data.

Student Enrollment

1302 in grades 9-12

Class size:

Seniors = 286

Juniors = 303

Sophomores = 317

Freshmen = 396

Student Demographics:

65% Caucasian

15% African-American

16% Hispanic

3% Multiracial

<1% Asian

<1% American Indian

<1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander