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%
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
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