Dare County Schools & Education
Dare County, North Carolina
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,349
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#6
of 100 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Dare County, North Carolina
A Specialized Coastal School System
Dare County operates 11 public schools, providing education for 5,181 students through a single district. The system is distributed across five elementary, two middle, and four high schools. This infrastructure is specifically designed to serve the unique geography of the Outer Banks.
Leading the State in Student Success
The county reports an outstanding 95.0% graduation rate and a school score of 56.9, both significantly higher than state averages. Dare County invests $7,349 per pupil, outspending the North Carolina average of $6,969. This higher investment translates directly into some of the best academic results in the region.
Unified Under Dare County Schools
Dare County Schools is the sole provider of public education here, with no charter schools operating in the area. This unified approach manages all 5,181 students across 11 diverse campuses. The district's focus on consistency helps maintain its high-ranking status among North Carolina counties.
Community Schools with a Town Focus
Eight of the county's 11 schools are located in town settings, reflecting the clustered population centers along the coast. First Flight High School is the largest campus with 956 students, while the average school size across the county is 471 students. Most schools offer a mid-sized, accessible feel where teachers and students know each other well.
Invest in a Community with Top Schools
Dare County's combination of high graduation rates and above-average spending makes it a premier choice for families. Homebuyers often target properties near First Flight or Manteo to secure access to these high-performing campuses. Enjoy the coastal lifestyle without compromising on the quality of your children's education.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Dare County
Total Enrollment
5,181
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Dare County
Dare County Schools
11 Public Schools in Dare County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Flight High School | Dare County Schools | 9–12 | High | 956 |
| Manteo Elementary School | Dare County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 660 |
| First Flight Middle School | Dare County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 612 |
| Manteo High School | Dare County Schools | 9–12 | High | 578 |
| Nags Head Elementary School | Dare County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 538 |
| Kitty Hawk Elementary School | Dare County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 453 |
| Manteo Middle School | Dare County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 369 |
| Cape Hatteras Secondary School | Dare County Schools | 6–12 | High | 365 |
| First Flight Elementary School | Dare County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 320 |
| Cape Hatteras Elementary School | Dare County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 310 |
| Dare Learning Academy | Dare County Schools | 9–12 | Alternative | 20 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,349
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Dare County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Dare County, North Carolina?
Dare County operates 11 public schools, providing education for 5,181 students through a single district. The system is distributed across five elementary, two middle, and four high schools. This infrastructure is specifically designed to serve the unique geography of the Outer Banks.
How do schools in Dare County perform academically?
The county reports an outstanding 95.0% graduation rate and a school score of 56.9, both significantly higher than state averages. Dare County invests $7,349 per pupil, outspending the North Carolina average of $6,969. This higher investment translates directly into some of the best academic results in the region.
What are the major school districts in Dare County, North Carolina?
Dare County Schools is the sole provider of public education here, with no charter schools operating in the area. This unified approach manages all 5,181 students across 11 diverse campuses. The district's focus on consistency helps maintain its high-ranking status among North Carolina counties.
What is the school experience like in Dare County?
Eight of the county's 11 schools are located in town settings, reflecting the clustered population centers along the coast. First Flight High School is the largest campus with 956 students, while the average school size across the county is 471 students. Most schools offer a mid-sized, accessible feel where teachers and students know each other well.
How can I find homes near good schools in Dare County, North Carolina?
Dare County's combination of high graduation rates and above-average spending makes it a premier choice for families. Homebuyers often target properties near First Flight or Manteo to secure access to these high-performing campuses. Enjoy the coastal lifestyle without compromising on the quality of your children's 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.