Onslow County Schools & Education
Onslow County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
44/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,705
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
44/100
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
#31
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Onslow County
School Verdict
Onslow County performs at an average level with a school score of 44/100 and a solid graduation rate of 91.0%.
Funding Context
At $6,705 per pupil, Onslow County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Onslow County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 11% above the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 4% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Onslow County, North Carolina
A Large Scale Military-Adjacent School System
Onslow County supports a massive educational network of 41 public schools serving 28,020 students. This includes 24 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 9 high schools designed to accommodate a large, mobile population. The infrastructure is primarily managed by two districts to ensure consistency across the county.
Strong Graduation Rates Exceeding State Averages
Onslow County boasts an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. The county achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,705, showing high efficiency compared to the national average of $13,000. A school score of 53.4 also places the county above the state average of 52.4.
Centralized Management with Specialized Charters
Onslow County Schools dominates the landscape, managing 40 schools and 27,921 students. The Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology provides a charter alternative for families seeking specialized instruction for their 99 enrolled students. This balance allows for large-scale resources alongside niche educational opportunities.
Diverse Settings from City to Countryside
Students experience a mix of locales, with 15 schools in city settings and 13 in rural areas. The average school size is 683 students, but high schools like Jacksonville High serve over 1,400 students. This variety ensures that families can find either a bustling urban campus or a quieter rural school environment.
Live Near Top-Performing Onslow Schools
With graduation rates outperforming the state, Onslow County is an attractive destination for families. Use local school performance as a guide when exploring homes in Jacksonville or the surrounding rural areas. Education quality continues to be a driving force for real estate demand in this coastal region.
School Overview
Total Schools
41
in Onslow County
Total Enrollment
28,020
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
2% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Onslow County
Onslow County Schools
Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology
41 Public Schools in Onslow County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville High | Onslow County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,423 |
| White Oak High | Onslow County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,207 |
| Dixon High | Onslow County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,149 |
| Swansboro High | Onslow County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,115 |
| Northside High | Onslow County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,097 |
| Jacksonville Commons Middle | Onslow County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,011 |
| Swansboro Middle | Onslow County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 967 |
| Richlands High | Onslow County Schools | 9–12 | High | 960 |
| Dixon Middle | Onslow County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 948 |
| Hunters Creek Middle | Onslow County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 922 |
| Trexler Middle | Onslow County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 825 |
| Coastal Elementary | Onslow County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 822 |
| Queens Creek Elementary | Onslow County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 751 |
| Southwest Elementary | Onslow County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 742 |
| Dixon Elementary | Onslow County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 736 |
| Southwest High | Onslow County Schools | 9–12 | High | 702 |
| Northwoods Park Middle | Onslow County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 688 |
| Morton Elementary | Onslow County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 682 |
| Carolina Forest Elementary | Onslow County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 678 |
| Swansboro Elementary | Onslow County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 668 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,705
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Onslow County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Onslow County?
How much does Onslow County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Onslow County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Onslow County, North Carolina?
Onslow County supports a massive educational network of 41 public schools serving 28,020 students. This includes 24 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 9 high schools designed to accommodate a large, mobile population. The infrastructure is primarily managed by two districts to ensure consistency across the county.
How do schools in Onslow County perform academically?
Onslow County boasts an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. The county achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,705, showing high efficiency compared to the national average of $13,000. A school score of 53.4 also places the county above the state average of 52.4.
What are the major school districts in Onslow County, North Carolina?
Onslow County Schools dominates the landscape, managing 40 schools and 27,921 students. The Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology provides a charter alternative for families seeking specialized instruction for their 99 enrolled students. This balance allows for large-scale resources alongside niche educational opportunities.
What is the school experience like in Onslow County?
Students experience a mix of locales, with 15 schools in city settings and 13 in rural areas. The average school size is 683 students, but high schools like Jacksonville High serve over 1,400 students. This variety ensures that families can find either a bustling urban campus or a quieter rural school environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Onslow County, North Carolina?
With graduation rates outperforming the state, Onslow County is an attractive destination for families. Use local school performance as a guide when exploring homes in Jacksonville or the surrounding rural areas. Education quality continues to be a driving force for real estate demand in this coastal region.
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.