Orange County Schools & Education
Orange County, North Carolina
School Score
72/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
92.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,629
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
72/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#5
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Orange County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Orange County, North Carolina
High-Performing Districts in a Cultured County
Orange County features 36 public schools that serve 19,912 students across 4 distinct districts. The landscape is well-balanced with 19 elementary, 7 middle, and 8 high schools. This infrastructure supports one of the most educationally focused populations in the state.
Leading the State in Academic Excellence
The county earns a standout school score of 58.3 and a high graduation rate of 92.3%. Investment is a priority here, with per-pupil spending at $8,629, which is nearly $1,700 more than the state average. These metrics demonstrate a strong community commitment to providing high-quality educational outcomes.
Two Powerhouse Districts Serving the Region
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is the largest district, serving 11,561 students, while Orange County Schools serves 7,208. Charter options like Eno River Academy provide additional choice, representing about 5.6% of the school mix. Families benefit from having two major, well-resourced districts within a single county.
A Blend of City Spirit and Rural Peace
The county offers a diverse mix of 15 city schools, 11 suburban schools, and 10 rural schools. Large high schools like Chapel Hill High enrollment nearly 1,600 students, while the average school size countywide is 569. This geographic diversity allows families to choose the living and learning environment that fits them best.
Find Your Home in a Premier School District
Orange County’s superior school scores and graduation rates make it a premier destination for homebuyers. Whether you prefer the energy of Chapel Hill or the quiet of rural Orange County, top-tier education is never far away. Prioritizing proximity to these schools is a smart move for long-term property value.
School Overview
Total Schools
36
in Orange County
Total Enrollment
19,912
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
2
6% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Orange County
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Orange County Schools
Eno River Academy
The Expedition School
36 Public Schools in Orange County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel Hill High | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,597 |
| East Chapel Hill High | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,447 |
| Orange High | Orange County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,341 |
| Cedar Ridge High | Orange County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,104 |
| Carrboro High | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | 9–12 | High | 870 |
| Eno River Academy | Eno River Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 782 |
| Smith Middle | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 768 |
| McDougle Middle | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 752 |
| Culbreth Middle | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 656 |
| A L Stanback Middle | Orange County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 646 |
| Phillips Middle | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 609 |
| River Park Elementary | Orange County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 559 |
| New Hope Elementary | Orange County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 548 |
| Efland Cheeks Elementary | Orange County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 545 |
| FPG Elementary | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 528 |
| Orange Middle | Orange County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 525 |
| Carrboro Elementary | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 501 |
| Seawell Elementary | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 491 |
| McDougle Elementary | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 489 |
| Glenwood Elementary | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 433 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,629
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Orange County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Orange County, North Carolina?
Orange County features 36 public schools that serve 19,912 students across 4 distinct districts. The landscape is well-balanced with 19 elementary, 7 middle, and 8 high schools. This infrastructure supports one of the most educationally focused populations in the state.
How do schools in Orange County perform academically?
The county earns a standout school score of 58.3 and a high graduation rate of 92.3%. Investment is a priority here, with per-pupil spending at $8,629, which is nearly $1,700 more than the state average. These metrics demonstrate a strong community commitment to providing high-quality educational outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Orange County, North Carolina?
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is the largest district, serving 11,561 students, while Orange County Schools serves 7,208. Charter options like Eno River Academy provide additional choice, representing about 5.6% of the school mix. Families benefit from having two major, well-resourced districts within a single county.
What is the school experience like in Orange County?
The county offers a diverse mix of 15 city schools, 11 suburban schools, and 10 rural schools. Large high schools like Chapel Hill High enrollment nearly 1,600 students, while the average school size countywide is 569. This geographic diversity allows families to choose the living and learning environment that fits them best.
How can I find homes near good schools in Orange County, North Carolina?
Orange County’s superior school scores and graduation rates make it a premier destination for homebuyers. Whether you prefer the energy of Chapel Hill or the quiet of rural Orange County, top-tier education is never far away. Prioritizing proximity to these schools is a smart move for long-term property value.
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.