Carteret County Schools & Education
Carteret County, North Carolina
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,998
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#64
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Carteret County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Carteret County, North Carolina
Coastal Education Across 19 Public Schools
Carteret County supports 8,276 students through a network of 19 public schools across 2 districts. The landscape consists of 10 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for coastal communities. One alternative school is also available to support students with non-traditional learning needs.
Competitive Spending and Academic Achievement
Carteret County invests $6,998 per pupil, slightly exceeding the North Carolina state average of $6,969. While the graduation rate of 86.0% is just below the state and national averages, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 51.4. This reflects a well-funded system dedicated to maintaining high standards across its coastal campuses.
Carteret County Public Schools and Charter Options
Carteret County Public Schools is the primary district, serving 8,081 students in 18 different schools. Tiller School operates as a charter alternative, providing specialized education for 195 students. This dual-district system offers families a choice between a large public network and a smaller charter environment.
Town and Rural Locales with Moderate Sizes
The county's schools are located in 11 town settings and 8 rural areas, offering a distinct coastal-town feel. West Carteret High is the largest campus with 1,146 students, while the average school size across the county is 436. This moderate sizing allows for robust student activities without losing the sense of local community.
Discover Homes in Top Coastal School Zones
Housing demand remains strong in areas served by West Carteret and Croatan High Schools due to their size and resources. Families often seek properties in the Newport or White Oak Elementary zones for their well-established reputations. When buying a home in Carteret, school proximity and coastal access go hand-in-hand for long-term value.
School Overview
Total Schools
19
in Carteret County
Total Enrollment
8,276
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
5% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Carteret County
Carteret County Public Schools
Tiller School
19 Public Schools in Carteret County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Carteret High | Carteret County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,146 |
| Croatan High | Carteret County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 974 |
| White Oak Elementary | Carteret County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 772 |
| Broad Creek Middle | Carteret County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 710 |
| Newport Elementary | Carteret County Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 645 |
| Morehead City Primary | Carteret County Public Schools | PK–3 | Primary | 545 |
| East Carteret High | Carteret County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 530 |
| Morehead City Middle | Carteret County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 482 |
| Bogue Sound Elementary | Carteret County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 467 |
| Beaufort Elementary | Carteret County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 378 |
| Newport Middle | Carteret County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 378 |
| Morehead Elem at Camp Glenn | Carteret County Public Schools | 4–5 | Primary | 285 |
| Beaufort Middle | Carteret County Public Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 258 |
| Down East Middle and Smyrna Elementary | Carteret County Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 249 |
| Tiller School | Tiller School | KG–5 | Charter | 195 |
| Harkers Island Elementary | Carteret County Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 117 |
| Atlantic Elementary | Carteret County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 88 |
| Marine Sci. and Tech. Early College HS | Carteret County Public Schools | 12–UG | High | 49 |
| Bridges School | Carteret County Public Schools | 6–12 | Alternative | 8 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,998
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Carteret County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Carteret County, North Carolina?
Carteret County supports 8,276 students through a network of 19 public schools across 2 districts. The landscape consists of 10 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for coastal communities. One alternative school is also available to support students with non-traditional learning needs.
How do schools in Carteret County perform academically?
Carteret County invests $6,998 per pupil, slightly exceeding the North Carolina state average of $6,969. While the graduation rate of 86.0% is just below the state and national averages, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 51.4. This reflects a well-funded system dedicated to maintaining high standards across its coastal campuses.
What are the major school districts in Carteret County, North Carolina?
Carteret County Public Schools is the primary district, serving 8,081 students in 18 different schools. Tiller School operates as a charter alternative, providing specialized education for 195 students. This dual-district system offers families a choice between a large public network and a smaller charter environment.
What is the school experience like in Carteret County?
The county's schools are located in 11 town settings and 8 rural areas, offering a distinct coastal-town feel. West Carteret High is the largest campus with 1,146 students, while the average school size across the county is 436. This moderate sizing allows for robust student activities without losing the sense of local community.
How can I find homes near good schools in Carteret County, North Carolina?
Housing demand remains strong in areas served by West Carteret and Croatan High Schools due to their size and resources. Families often seek properties in the Newport or White Oak Elementary zones for their well-established reputations. When buying a home in Carteret, school proximity and coastal access go hand-in-hand for long-term value.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.