Wilson County Schools & Education
Wilson County, North Carolina
School Score
15/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
79.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
79.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,288
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
15/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#100
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Wilson County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Wilson County, North Carolina
Diverse Educational Options in Wilson
Wilson County features a robust landscape of 28 public schools serving over 12,300 students. The system includes 13 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools, plus five specialized campuses for alternative and special education.
Performance Goals and Investment Needs
The county reports a 79.6% graduation rate and a school score of 46.5, both trailing state averages. With per-pupil spending at $6,288, the county is working to improve outcomes relative to the $13,000 national spending average.
Charter Schools Drive Enrollment Growth
While Wilson County Schools is the largest district, charter schools like Sallie B Howard and Wilson Preparatory Academy serve over 2,000 students combined. These two charters represent over 7% of the county's total school inventory.
A Mix of Town and Country
The county offers a balanced mix of 15 town-based and 13 rural schools, with an average campus size of 440 students. The Sallie B Howard charter school is the county's largest at 1,204 students, significantly larger than rural high schools like Beddingfield.
Discover Wilson's Growing Neighborhoods
With a variety of traditional public and high-enrollment charter options, Wilson County provides flexible choices for families. Researching neighborhoods near James Hunt High or the town-based charters can help you find the right fit.
School Overview
Total Schools
28
in Wilson County
Total Enrollment
12,328
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
2
7% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Wilson County
Wilson County Schools
Sallie B Howard School
Wilson Preparatory Academy
28 Public Schools in Wilson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sallie B Howard School | Sallie B Howard School | KG–12 | Charter | 1,204 |
| James Hunt High | Wilson County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,069 |
| Fike High | Wilson County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,046 |
| Wilson Preparatory Academy | Wilson Preparatory Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 807 |
| Beddingfield High | Wilson County Schools | 9–12 | High | 682 |
| Forest Hills Middle | Wilson County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 670 |
| John W Jones Elementary | Wilson County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 591 |
| Vinson-Bynum Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 473 |
| Rock Ridge Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 469 |
| Springfield Middle | Wilson County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 445 |
| Elm City Middle | Wilson County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 444 |
| Charles H Darden Middle | Wilson County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 441 |
| Margaret Hearne Elementary | Wilson County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 432 |
| New Hope Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 431 |
| Lucama Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 362 |
| Frederick Douglass Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 357 |
| Vick Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 323 |
| Wells Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 303 |
| B O Barnes Elementary | Wilson County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 300 |
| Speight Middle | Wilson County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 294 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,288
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Wilson County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Wilson County, North Carolina?
Wilson County features a robust landscape of 28 public schools serving over 12,300 students. The system includes 13 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools, plus five specialized campuses for alternative and special education.
How do schools in Wilson County perform academically?
The county reports a 79.6% graduation rate and a school score of 46.5, both trailing state averages. With per-pupil spending at $6,288, the county is working to improve outcomes relative to the $13,000 national spending average.
What are the major school districts in Wilson County, North Carolina?
While Wilson County Schools is the largest district, charter schools like Sallie B Howard and Wilson Preparatory Academy serve over 2,000 students combined. These two charters represent over 7% of the county's total school inventory.
What is the school experience like in Wilson County?
The county offers a balanced mix of 15 town-based and 13 rural schools, with an average campus size of 440 students. The Sallie B Howard charter school is the county's largest at 1,204 students, significantly larger than rural high schools like Beddingfield.
How can I find homes near good schools in Wilson County, North Carolina?
With a variety of traditional public and high-enrollment charter options, Wilson County provides flexible choices for families. Researching neighborhoods near James Hunt High or the town-based charters can help you find the right fit.
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.