Cumberland County Schools & Education
Cumberland County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
25/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
85.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,485
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
25/100
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
#90
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Cumberland County
School Verdict
Cumberland County faces educational challenges with a school score of 25/100 and a graduation rate of 85.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,485 per pupil, Cumberland County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Cumberland County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 38% below the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 3.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 7% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Cumberland County, North Carolina
Vast Educational Infrastructure in Fayetteville
Cumberland County maintains a large-scale system of 88 public schools serving a massive population of 51,512 students. The network includes 51 elementary, 17 middle, and 18 high schools. Three distinct districts manage this extensive inventory of educational facilities.
Scaling Education in an Urban Hub
The county reports an 85.0% graduation rate, which trails both the state average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $6,485 and a school score of 49.8, Cumberland faces the challenge of managing high enrollment with limited per-student funding. These figures highlight a system optimized for large-scale urban delivery.
A Landscape Led by Cumberland County Schools
Cumberland County Schools dominates the landscape, overseeing 86 schools and nearly 50,000 students. Two charter schools, including Alpha Academy with 1,126 students, provide alternative options for families. These charters represent 2.3% of the total school count, offering focused specialized learning.
Urban Centers and Large High School Campuses
Education here is primarily urban, with 53 schools located in city centers. Jack Britt High stands as the largest school with 1,890 students, contributing to an average school size of 585 students. The environment feels energetic and fast-paced, reflecting the county's role as a major regional hub.
Living Close to Fayetteville's Academic Hubs
Prospective homeowners find a wide array of options near Cumberland's 88 schools, from suburban neighborhoods to city centers. The sheer number of elementary and middle schools provides ample choices for families relocating to the area. Consider the proximity to high-performing high schools like Jack Britt when searching for your next home.
School Overview
Total Schools
88
in Cumberland County
Total Enrollment
51,512
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
2
2% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Cumberland County
Cumberland County Schools
Alpha Academy
The Capitol Encore Academy
88 Public Schools in Cumberland County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Britt High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,890 |
| Pine Forest High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,572 |
| Cape Fear High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,529 |
| South View High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,502 |
| Gray's Creek High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,395 |
| Seventy-First High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,366 |
| Terry Sanford High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,224 |
| Westover High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,202 |
| Mac Williams Middle | Cumberland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,151 |
| Gray's Creek Middle | Cumberland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,126 |
| Alpha Academy | Alpha Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 1,126 |
| John R Griffin Middle | Cumberland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,091 |
| E E Smith High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,004 |
| Douglas Byrd High | Cumberland County Schools | 9–12 | High | 940 |
| Douglas Byrd Middle | Cumberland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 935 |
| Gallberry Farm Elementary | Cumberland County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 908 |
| Stoney Point Elementary | Cumberland County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 879 |
| E Melvin Honeycutt Elementary | Cumberland County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 834 |
| Westover Middle | Cumberland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 784 |
| R Max Abbott Middle | Cumberland County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 759 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,485
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Cumberland County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Cumberland County?
How much does Cumberland County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cumberland County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cumberland County, North Carolina?
Cumberland County maintains a large-scale system of 88 public schools serving a massive population of 51,512 students. The network includes 51 elementary, 17 middle, and 18 high schools. Three distinct districts manage this extensive inventory of educational facilities.
How do schools in Cumberland County perform academically?
The county reports an 85.0% graduation rate, which trails both the state average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $6,485 and a school score of 49.8, Cumberland faces the challenge of managing high enrollment with limited per-student funding. These figures highlight a system optimized for large-scale urban delivery.
What are the major school districts in Cumberland County, North Carolina?
Cumberland County Schools dominates the landscape, overseeing 86 schools and nearly 50,000 students. Two charter schools, including Alpha Academy with 1,126 students, provide alternative options for families. These charters represent 2.3% of the total school count, offering focused specialized learning.
What is the school experience like in Cumberland County?
Education here is primarily urban, with 53 schools located in city centers. Jack Britt High stands as the largest school with 1,890 students, contributing to an average school size of 585 students. The environment feels energetic and fast-paced, reflecting the county's role as a major regional hub.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cumberland County, North Carolina?
Prospective homeowners find a wide array of options near Cumberland's 88 schools, from suburban neighborhoods to city centers. The sheer number of elementary and middle schools provides ample choices for families relocating to the area. Consider the proximity to high-performing high schools like Jack Britt when searching for your next home.
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.