Craven County Schools & Education
Craven County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
30/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,496
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
30/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#78
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Craven County
School Verdict
Craven County faces educational challenges with a school score of 30/100 and a graduation rate of 87.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,496 per pupil, Craven County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Craven County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 26% below the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 1.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 7% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Craven County, North Carolina
A Coastal Network of Community Schools
Craven County operates 26 public schools that serve 12,755 students within a single unified district. The infrastructure includes 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools. This centralized system provides consistent educational resources across the coastal region.
Consistent Performance and Budget Efficiency
The county achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average and sitting just below the state average of 88.0%. Officials manage a school score of 50.9 with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,496. While spending remains below the state average of $6,969, the county maintains competitive academic outcomes.
Unified Oversight via Craven County Schools
Craven County Schools manages all 12,755 students in the area across its 26 campuses. Unlike many neighboring counties, this region contains zero charter schools, keeping the entire student population within the traditional public system. This structure allows for a high degree of district-wide coordination.
From Busy City Hubs to Rural Classrooms
The county offers a diverse mix of environments, including nine rural schools, eight in towns, and seven in city settings. New Bern High is the largest campus with 1,631 students, while the average school size is a manageable 491 students. This variety ensures families can find a school setting that matches their preferred lifestyle.
Plant Roots Near High-Performing Districts
Families looking for stability often explore homes near the large campuses of New Bern or Havelock. The county's blend of city and rural schools makes it a versatile choice for buyers prioritizing education infrastructure. Secure your future in a community that values consistent public education.
School Overview
Total Schools
26
in Craven County
Total Enrollment
12,755
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Craven County
Craven County Schools
26 Public Schools in Craven County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bern High | Craven County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,631 |
| Havelock High | Craven County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,104 |
| West Craven High | Craven County Schools | 9–12 | High | 860 |
| H J MacDonald Middle | Craven County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 712 |
| West Craven Middle | Craven County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 673 |
| Arthur W Edwards Elementary | Craven County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 533 |
| Tucker Creek Middle | Craven County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 519 |
| Grover C Fields Middle | Craven County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 509 |
| Creekside Elementary | Craven County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 496 |
| Vanceboro-Farm Life Elementary | Craven County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 471 |
| Brinson Memorial Elementary | Craven County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 453 |
| Albert H Bangert Elementary | Craven County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 421 |
| Roger Bell New Tech Academy | Craven County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 408 |
| Havelock Middle | Craven County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 395 |
| Trent Park Elementary | Craven County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 389 |
| Oaks Road Academy | Craven County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 387 |
| Bridgeton Elementary | Craven County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 375 |
| W Jesse Gurganus Elementary | Craven County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 373 |
| Ben D Quinn Elementary | Craven County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 367 |
| James W Smith Elementary | Craven County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 342 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,496
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Craven County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Craven County?
How much does Craven County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Craven County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Craven County, North Carolina?
Craven County operates 26 public schools that serve 12,755 students within a single unified district. The infrastructure includes 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools. This centralized system provides consistent educational resources across the coastal region.
How do schools in Craven County perform academically?
The county achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average and sitting just below the state average of 88.0%. Officials manage a school score of 50.9 with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,496. While spending remains below the state average of $6,969, the county maintains competitive academic outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Craven County, North Carolina?
Craven County Schools manages all 12,755 students in the area across its 26 campuses. Unlike many neighboring counties, this region contains zero charter schools, keeping the entire student population within the traditional public system. This structure allows for a high degree of district-wide coordination.
What is the school experience like in Craven County?
The county offers a diverse mix of environments, including nine rural schools, eight in towns, and seven in city settings. New Bern High is the largest campus with 1,631 students, while the average school size is a manageable 491 students. This variety ensures families can find a school setting that matches their preferred lifestyle.
How can I find homes near good schools in Craven County, North Carolina?
Families looking for stability often explore homes near the large campuses of New Bern or Havelock. The county's blend of city and rural schools makes it a versatile choice for buyers prioritizing education infrastructure. Secure your future in a community that values consistent public education.
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.