Pender County Schools & Education
Pender County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
50/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
93.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,402
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
50/100
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
#23
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Pender County
School Verdict
Pender County performs at an average level with a school score of 50/100 and a solid graduation rate of 93.0%.
Funding Context
At $6,402 per pupil, Pender County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Pender County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 24% above the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 5.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 8% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Pender County, North Carolina
A Unified Rural School District
Pender County operates a single, unified district with 19 public schools serving 10,941 students. The system is comprised of 9 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools, along with one specialized center. This streamlined structure ensures consistent educational standards from the coast to the inland countryside.
High Graduation Rates with Lean Spending
Pender County achieves an impressive 93.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. They reach this milestone with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,402, well below the state average. A school score of 53.8 further indicates that the county is delivering strong value for its educational investment.
One District, Ten Thousand Students
Pender County Schools manages all 10,941 students in the county, with no charter schools currently in operation. This single-district model allows for a centralized focus on student achievement and resource allocation. All students benefit from the same district-wide programs and community support.
Spacious Campuses in a Rural Setting
With 18 of its 19 schools located in rural areas, Pender County offers a truly scenic educational experience. The average school size is 576 students, but Topsail High stands out as a major hub with 1,777 students. This contrast provides both a large-school experience at the high school level and smaller, community-focused elementary schools.
Coastal Living and Strong School Success
Families looking for high graduation rates and a rural atmosphere will find Pender County highly attractive. Homes located near the Topsail and Surf City schools are especially popular due to their proximity to both quality education and the coast. Invest in a community where school performance is a proven priority.
School Overview
Total Schools
19
in Pender County
Total Enrollment
10,941
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Pender County
Pender County Schools
19 Public Schools in Pender County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topsail High | Pender County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,777 |
| Surf City Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 808 |
| Topsail Middle | Pender County Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 807 |
| Heide Trask High | Pender County Schools | 9–12 | High | 720 |
| Surf City Middle | Pender County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 705 |
| Pender High | Pender County Schools | 9–12 | High | 677 |
| Topsail Annandale Elementary School | Pender County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 631 |
| North Topsail Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 608 |
| South Topsail Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 557 |
| Cape Fear Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 545 |
| C.F. Pope Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 532 |
| Penderlea Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 495 |
| Malpass Corner Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 480 |
| Cape Fear Middle | Pender County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 462 |
| Rocky Point Elementary | Pender County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 399 |
| Burgaw Middle | Pender County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 257 |
| Pender Early College High | Pender County Schools | 9–UG | High | 203 |
| West Pender Middle | Pender County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 179 |
| Pender Innovative Learning Academy | Pender County Schools | KG–12 | Alternative | 99 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,402
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Pender County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Pender County?
How much does Pender County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Pender County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Pender County, North Carolina?
Pender County operates a single, unified district with 19 public schools serving 10,941 students. The system is comprised of 9 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools, along with one specialized center. This streamlined structure ensures consistent educational standards from the coast to the inland countryside.
How do schools in Pender County perform academically?
Pender County achieves an impressive 93.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. They reach this milestone with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,402, well below the state average. A school score of 53.8 further indicates that the county is delivering strong value for its educational investment.
What are the major school districts in Pender County, North Carolina?
Pender County Schools manages all 10,941 students in the county, with no charter schools currently in operation. This single-district model allows for a centralized focus on student achievement and resource allocation. All students benefit from the same district-wide programs and community support.
What is the school experience like in Pender County?
With 18 of its 19 schools located in rural areas, Pender County offers a truly scenic educational experience. The average school size is 576 students, but Topsail High stands out as a major hub with 1,777 students. This contrast provides both a large-school experience at the high school level and smaller, community-focused elementary schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Pender County, North Carolina?
Families looking for high graduation rates and a rural atmosphere will find Pender County highly attractive. Homes located near the Topsail and Surf City schools are especially popular due to their proximity to both quality education and the coast. Invest in a community where school performance is a proven priority.
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.