Chatham County Schools & Education
Chatham County, North Carolina
School Score
42/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,274
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
42/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#35
of 100 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Chatham County, North Carolina
A Growing and Diverse Educational Landscape
Chatham County operates 24 public schools that serve a growing population of 10,494 students. The county provides a mix of 12 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools, along with 4 specialized campuses.
Strong Scores and Robust Investment
Chatham's school score of 53.0 exceeds the state average of 52.4 and the national median. The county invests $7,274 per pupil, which is higher than the state average, helping maintain a solid 87.9% graduation rate.
A Mix of District and Charter Options
Chatham County Schools serves the vast majority of families with 9,129 students across 21 schools. Charter schools represent 12.5% of the county's total schools, including Chatham Charter and Woods Charter School.
Rural Schools with Town Centers
The school landscape is primarily rural, with 19 schools in rural settings and 5 in town centers. Large high schools like Northwood and Jordan Matthews serve over 900 students each, while the average school size is 437.
Invest in a Chatham Education
Chatham County's high per-pupil investment and strong school scores make it a magnet for families. Consider exploring homes near Seaforth High or Chatham Grove Elementary for access to the county's latest educational facilities.
School Overview
Total Schools
24
in Chatham County
Total Enrollment
10,494
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
3
13% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Chatham County
Chatham County Schools
Chatham Charter
Woods Charter School
Willow Oak Montessori
24 Public Schools in Chatham County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwood High | Chatham County Schools | 9–12 | High | 940 |
| Jordan Matthews High | Chatham County Schools | 9–12 | High | 913 |
| Margaret B. Pollard Middle | Chatham County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 768 |
| Seaforth High | Chatham County Schools | 9–11 | Other | 732 |
| Chatham Grove Elementary | Chatham County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 677 |
| Siler City Elementary | Chatham County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 636 |
| North Chatham Elementary | Chatham County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 616 |
| Chatham Charter | Chatham Charter | KG–12 | Charter | 574 |
| Chatham Middle | Chatham County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 556 |
| Pittsboro Elementary | Chatham County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 510 |
| Woods Charter | Woods Charter School | KG–12 | Charter | 508 |
| Virginia Cross Elementary | Chatham County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 455 |
| Horton Middle | Chatham County Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 375 |
| Chatham Central High | Chatham County Schools | 9–12 | High | 364 |
| Bonlee School | Chatham County Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 292 |
| Willow Oak Montessori | Willow Oak Montessori | KG–8 | Charter | 283 |
| Silk Hope School | Chatham County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 276 |
| Perry W Harrison Elementary | Chatham County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 227 |
| Moncure School | Chatham County Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 213 |
| J S Waters School | Chatham County Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 193 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,274
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Chatham County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Chatham County, North Carolina?
Chatham County operates 24 public schools that serve a growing population of 10,494 students. The county provides a mix of 12 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools, along with 4 specialized campuses.
How do schools in Chatham County perform academically?
Chatham's school score of 53.0 exceeds the state average of 52.4 and the national median. The county invests $7,274 per pupil, which is higher than the state average, helping maintain a solid 87.9% graduation rate.
What are the major school districts in Chatham County, North Carolina?
Chatham County Schools serves the vast majority of families with 9,129 students across 21 schools. Charter schools represent 12.5% of the county's total schools, including Chatham Charter and Woods Charter School.
What is the school experience like in Chatham County?
The school landscape is primarily rural, with 19 schools in rural settings and 5 in town centers. Large high schools like Northwood and Jordan Matthews serve over 900 students each, while the average school size is 437.
How can I find homes near good schools in Chatham County, North Carolina?
Chatham County's high per-pupil investment and strong school scores make it a magnet for families. Consider exploring homes near Seaforth High or Chatham Grove Elementary for access to the county's latest educational facilities.
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.