Northampton County Schools & Education
Northampton County, North Carolina
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,824
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#40
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Northampton County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Northampton County, North Carolina
A Small, Focused Rural School System
Northampton County operates 6 public schools that serve a total of 2,406 students. The landscape consists of 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 2 specialized learning centers. This compact infrastructure ensures a localized approach to education across the county's two districts.
Higher Per-Pupil Investment in Local Students
The county invests $7,824 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the North Carolina state average of $6,969. Although the graduation rate of 82.9% trails the state average of 88.0%, the school score of 51.6 remains close to the state median. These figures reflect a dedicated financial commitment to improving student outcomes in a rural setting.
A Balance of Traditional and Charter Education
The student population is split almost evenly between Northampton County Schools and the KIPP Gaston College Preparatory charter. KIPP Gaston serves 1,286 students in a single K-12 facility, representing nearly 17% of the county's school options. This dual-district structure provides families with distinct paths for their children’s education.
The Quiet Charm of Rural Classrooms
Education here feels personal, with four rural schools and two schools in town settings. While KIPP Gaston is the largest at 1,286 students, traditional schools like Northampton County High are much smaller, serving just 240 students. The average school size across the county is 401 students, fostering a close-knit community feel.
Invest in a Community Focused on Growth
Northampton County offers a unique opportunity for families seeking a rural lifestyle with significant per-pupil educational investment. Consider how the local schools and the KIPP Gaston charter impact your home search. Finding the right home here means joining a community that prioritizes its local students.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Northampton County
Total Enrollment
2,406
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
17% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Northampton County
Northampton County Schools
KIPP Gaston College Preparatory
6 Public Schools in Northampton County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIPP Gaston College Preparatory | KIPP Gaston College Preparatory | KG–12 | Charter | 1,286 |
| Gaston STEM Leadership Academy | Northampton County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 286 |
| Conway Middle | Northampton County Schools | 4–8 | Middle | 283 |
| Central Elementary | Northampton County Schools | PK–3 | Primary | 275 |
| Northampton County High School | Northampton County Schools | 9–12 | High | 240 |
| Northampton Virtual Academy | Northampton County Schools | KG–12 | Other | 36 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,824
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Northampton County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Northampton County, North Carolina?
Northampton County operates 6 public schools that serve a total of 2,406 students. The landscape consists of 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 2 specialized learning centers. This compact infrastructure ensures a localized approach to education across the county's two districts.
How do schools in Northampton County perform academically?
The county invests $7,824 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the North Carolina state average of $6,969. Although the graduation rate of 82.9% trails the state average of 88.0%, the school score of 51.6 remains close to the state median. These figures reflect a dedicated financial commitment to improving student outcomes in a rural setting.
What are the major school districts in Northampton County, North Carolina?
The student population is split almost evenly between Northampton County Schools and the KIPP Gaston College Preparatory charter. KIPP Gaston serves 1,286 students in a single K-12 facility, representing nearly 17% of the county's school options. This dual-district structure provides families with distinct paths for their children’s education.
What is the school experience like in Northampton County?
Education here feels personal, with four rural schools and two schools in town settings. While KIPP Gaston is the largest at 1,286 students, traditional schools like Northampton County High are much smaller, serving just 240 students. The average school size across the county is 401 students, fostering a close-knit community feel.
How can I find homes near good schools in Northampton County, North Carolina?
Northampton County offers a unique opportunity for families seeking a rural lifestyle with significant per-pupil educational investment. Consider how the local schools and the KIPP Gaston charter impact your home search. Finding the right home here means joining a community that prioritizes its local students.
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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.