Columbus County Schools & Education
Columbus County, North Carolina
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,763
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#58
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Columbus County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Columbus County, North Carolina
Broad School Network Across Multiple Districts
Columbus County features 20 public schools serving 8,389 students. The system includes 10 elementary, 3 middle, and 7 high schools, providing coverage across a large geographic area.
Consistent Performance Near State Averages
The county's 87.1% graduation rate sits just below the state average but remains above the national benchmark. Columbus County spends $6,763 per pupil, resulting in a school score of 51.5, which is close to the national median.
Multiple Districts and Charter Schools
Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools are the two largest districts, serving 5,335 and 2,104 students respectively. Two charter schools, including Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville, represent 10% of the total school options.
Rural Roots with Growing Hubs
Thirteen of the county's schools are in rural settings, while 7 are located in town centers. The Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville is the largest individual school with 879 students, while the county average is 419.
Settle Near Top-Rated Schools
Columbus County offers families a variety of district and charter choices, making it a flexible place to buy a home. Explore properties in Whiteville or the surrounding rural areas to find the right school environment for your family.
School Overview
Total Schools
20
in Columbus County
Total Enrollment
8,389
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
2
10% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Columbus County
Columbus County Schools
Whiteville City Schools
Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville
Thomas Academy
20 Public Schools in Columbus County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville | Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville | KG–8 | Charter | 879 |
| West Columbus School | Columbus County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 778 |
| South Columbus High | Columbus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 692 |
| Whiteville High | Whiteville City Schools | 9–12 | High | 662 |
| Williams Township | Columbus County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 644 |
| East Columbus Junior-Senior High | Columbus County Schools | 7–12 | High | 594 |
| Whiteville Primary | Whiteville City Schools | PK–2 | Primary | 501 |
| Central Middle | Whiteville City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 462 |
| Edgewood Elementary | Whiteville City Schools | 3–5 | Primary | 454 |
| Tabor City Elementary | Columbus County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 415 |
| West Columbus High | Columbus County Schools | 9–12 | High | 400 |
| Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary | Columbus County Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 362 |
| Acme Delco Elementary | Columbus County Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 310 |
| Old Dock Elementary | Columbus County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 294 |
| Columbus Career and College Academy | Columbus County Schools | 9–UG | High | 249 |
| Nakina Middle | Columbus County Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 214 |
| Chadbourn Elementary | Columbus County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 204 |
| Tabor City Middle | Columbus County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 179 |
| Thomas Academy | Thomas Academy | 6–12 | Charter | 71 |
| North Whiteville Academy | Whiteville City Schools | 6–12 | Alternative | 25 |
Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,763
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Columbus County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Columbus County, North Carolina?
Columbus County features 20 public schools serving 8,389 students. The system includes 10 elementary, 3 middle, and 7 high schools, providing coverage across a large geographic area.
How do schools in Columbus County perform academically?
The county's 87.1% graduation rate sits just below the state average but remains above the national benchmark. Columbus County spends $6,763 per pupil, resulting in a school score of 51.5, which is close to the national median.
What are the major school districts in Columbus County, North Carolina?
Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools are the two largest districts, serving 5,335 and 2,104 students respectively. Two charter schools, including Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville, represent 10% of the total school options.
What is the school experience like in Columbus County?
Thirteen of the county's schools are in rural settings, while 7 are located in town centers. The Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville is the largest individual school with 879 students, while the county average is 419.
How can I find homes near good schools in Columbus County, North Carolina?
Columbus County offers families a variety of district and charter choices, making it a flexible place to buy a home. Explore properties in Whiteville or the surrounding rural areas to find the right school environment for your family.
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.