For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 2,169 students in Carteret County, NC.
The top ranked public middle schools in Carteret County, NC are Broad Creek Middle School, Morehead City Middle School and Down East Middle And Smyrna Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carteret County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Carteret County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Carteret County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Broad Creek Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2382 Hwy 24
Newport, NC 28570
(252) 247-3135
Newport, NC 28570
(252) 247-3135
Grades: 6-8
| 751 students
Rank: #22.
Morehead City Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
400 Barbour Road
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1126
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1126
Grades: 6-8
| 524 students
Rank: #33.
Down East Middle And Smyrna Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
174 Marshallberg Road
Smyrna, NC 28579
(252) 729-2301
Smyrna, NC 28579
(252) 729-2301
Grades: PK-8
| 248 students
Rank: #44.
Newport Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
500 E Chatham Street
Newport, NC 28570
(252) 223-3482
Newport, NC 28570
(252) 223-3482
Grades: 6-8
| 377 students
Rank: #55.
Beaufort Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Carraway Drive
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-4520
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-4520
Grades: 6-8
| 256 students
Rank: #66.
Bridges School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
140 Vashti Dr
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 808-3040
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 808-3040
Grades: 6-12
| 13 students
Carteret County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Bridges Alternative School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
1108 Bridges Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 808-3040
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 808-3040
Grades: PK-12
| 68 students
1108 Bridges Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1601
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1601
Grades: 9-12
| 43 students
3505 Arendell St
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 222-7990
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 222-7990
Grades: 12-13
| 48 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Carteret County, NC?
The top ranked public middle schools in Carteret County, NC include Broad Creek Middle School, Morehead City Middle School and Down East Middle And Smyrna Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Carteret County?
6 public middle schools are located in Carteret County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carteret County?
Carteret County public middle schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Carteret County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Carteret County include: Newport Middle School vs. Broad Creek Middle School, Broad Creek Middle School vs. Newport Middle School, Beaufort Middle School vs. Down East Middle And Smyrna Elementary School
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.