For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,467 students in Clinton, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 170 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Clinton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clinton, NC are Sampson Early College High School, Union Elementary School and Clinton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clinton, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Clinton have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Clinton, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sampson Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1801 Sunset Ave
Clinton, NC 28329
(910) 592-7177
Clinton, NC 28329
(910) 592-7177
Gr: 9-13 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #22.
Union Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
10400 Taylors Bridge Hwy
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 532-2104
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 532-2104
Gr: PK-2 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #33.
Clinton High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
340 Indian Town Road
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-2067
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-2067
Gr: 9-12 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #44.
Sampson Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1201 W Elizabeth St
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-3327
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-3327
Gr: 6-8 | 703 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #55.
Sunset Avenue Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
505 Sunset Ave
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-5623
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-5623
Gr: 3-5 | 649 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #66.
Butler Avenue Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 37% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
301 Butler Ave
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-2629
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-2629
Gr: 1-2 | 469 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #77.
Union Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
455 River Road
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-4547
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-4547
Gr: 6-8 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #88.
Union Intermediate
(Math: 47% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1190 Edmond Matthis Road
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-2287
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-2287
Gr: 3-5 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: n/an/a
112 Kimbrough Rd
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-3066
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-3066
Gr: PK-K | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Clinton, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
College Street School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
606 College St
Clinton, NC 28328
(919) 807-3690
Clinton, NC 28328
(919) 807-3690
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Clinton, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Clinton, NC include Sampson Early College High School, Union Elementary School and Clinton High School.
How many public schools are located in Clinton?
9 public schools are located in Clinton.
What percentage of students in Clinton go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Clinton are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clinton?
Clinton public schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clinton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clinton include: Sampson Early College High School vs. Clinton High School, Clinton High School vs. Sampson Early College High School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.