Wayne County Schools & Education
Wayne County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
23/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
81.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
81.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,828
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
23/100
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
#94
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Wayne County
School Verdict
Wayne County faces educational challenges with a school score of 23/100 and a graduation rate of 81.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,828 per pupil, Wayne County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Wayne County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 43% below the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 7.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 2% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Wayne County, North Carolina
A Diverse and Widespread School System
Wayne County manages a large education network of 35 public schools serving 18,850 students. The system is well-balanced with 14 elementary, 9 middle, and 9 high schools, plus 3 specialized facilities. Three different districts oversee this expansive educational infrastructure.
Educational Access and Opportunities
The county maintains an 81.0% graduation rate, while per-pupil spending is $6,828, which sits very close to the state average of $6,969. The school score of 48.4 is just below the state and national medians, suggesting a system with room for growth. These figures represent a large-scale effort to provide consistent education across a diverse population.
Major Districts and Charter Alternatives
Wayne County Public Schools is the largest district, serving 17,558 students across 33 schools. The county also provides charter options like Wayne Preparatory Academy, which serves over 1,000 students. Charter schools currently make up 5.7% of the total public education options in the area.
From City Centers to Rural Ridges
Wayne County offers a varied locale mix with 18 rural schools and 13 schools located within city limits. The average school size is 539 students, but high schools like Charles B Aycock and Southern Wayne serve over 1,000 students each. This diversity allows families to choose between urban energy and rural tranquility.
Find Your Perfect Fit in Wayne County
With 35 schools to choose from, Wayne County offers an array of neighborhoods near diverse educational settings. Whether you prefer the city life of Goldsboro or a rural farmstead, there is a school to match your family's needs. Explore local homes to see how school proximity can enhance your lifestyle and property value.
School Overview
Total Schools
35
in Wayne County
Total Enrollment
18,850
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
2
6% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Wayne County
Wayne County Public Schools
Wayne Preparatory
Dillard Academy
35 Public Schools in Wayne County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles B Aycock High | Wayne County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,122 |
| Southern Wayne High | Wayne County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,066 |
| Wayne Preparatory Academy | Wayne Preparatory | KG–12 | Charter | 1,015 |
| Norwayne Middle | Wayne County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 886 |
| Spring Creek Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 829 |
| Eastern Wayne High | Wayne County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 826 |
| Brogden Primary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 764 |
| Spring Creek High | Wayne County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 753 |
| Northwest Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 709 |
| Northeast Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 707 |
| Meadow Lane Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 692 |
| Rosewood Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 633 |
| Spring Creek Middle | Wayne County Public Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 624 |
| Brogden Middle | Wayne County Public Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 588 |
| Tommy's Road Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 573 |
| Carver Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 556 |
| Eastern Wayne Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 525 |
| North Drive Elementary | Wayne County Public Schools | PK–2 | Primary | 522 |
| Goldsboro High | Wayne County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 470 |
| Rosewood High | Wayne County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 469 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,828
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Wayne County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Wayne County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Wayne County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Wayne County?
How much does Wayne County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Wayne County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Wayne County, North Carolina?
Wayne County manages a large education network of 35 public schools serving 18,850 students. The system is well-balanced with 14 elementary, 9 middle, and 9 high schools, plus 3 specialized facilities. Three different districts oversee this expansive educational infrastructure.
How do schools in Wayne County perform academically?
The county maintains an 81.0% graduation rate, while per-pupil spending is $6,828, which sits very close to the state average of $6,969. The school score of 48.4 is just below the state and national medians, suggesting a system with room for growth. These figures represent a large-scale effort to provide consistent education across a diverse population.
What are the major school districts in Wayne County, North Carolina?
Wayne County Public Schools is the largest district, serving 17,558 students across 33 schools. The county also provides charter options like Wayne Preparatory Academy, which serves over 1,000 students. Charter schools currently make up 5.7% of the total public education options in the area.
What is the school experience like in Wayne County?
Wayne County offers a varied locale mix with 18 rural schools and 13 schools located within city limits. The average school size is 539 students, but high schools like Charles B Aycock and Southern Wayne serve over 1,000 students each. This diversity allows families to choose between urban energy and rural tranquility.
How can I find homes near good schools in Wayne County, North Carolina?
With 35 schools to choose from, Wayne County offers an array of neighborhoods near diverse educational settings. Whether you prefer the city life of Goldsboro or a rural farmstead, there is a school to match your family's needs. Explore local homes to see how school proximity can enhance your lifestyle and 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.