East Carteret High School is a public high school located in Beaufort, North Carolina. It serves 13 Down East communities, Merrimon, South River, North River, and Beaufort. Harkers Island is zoned to East Carteret High.
Serving 521 students in grades 9-12, East Carteret High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 521 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: East Carteret High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Beaufort, NC, covering approximately 1,002 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being about 15.4 miles and the furthest edge located 39 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
East Carteret High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
East Carteret High School's student population of 521 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
521 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Colors
White, Blue, Gold
School Motto
Bridging Heritage and Horizons
School Rankings
East Carteret High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of East Carteret High School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#547 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60-64%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
7%
22%
Black
8%
24%
White
78%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Mariner
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East Carteret High School's ranking?
East Carteret High School is ranked #547 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are East Carteret High School often compared to?
East Carteret High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Carteret High School, Croatan High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of East Carteret High School?
The graduation rate of East Carteret High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend East Carteret High School?
521 students attend East Carteret High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of East Carteret High School students are White, 8% of students are Black, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of East Carteret High School?
East Carteret High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does East Carteret High School offer ?
East Carteret High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is East Carteret High School part of?
East Carteret High School is part of Carteret County School District.
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