For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,448 students in Gates County, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Gates County, NC are Gatesville Elementary School, Gates County Senior High School and T S Cooper Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gates County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Gates County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Gates County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gatesville Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
709 North Main Street
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0613
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0613
Gr: PK-5 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Gates County Senior High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
088 Hwy 158 West
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0720
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0720
Gr: 9-12 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
T S Cooper Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
237 Nc 32 South
Sunbury, NC 27979
(252) 465-4091
Sunbury, NC 27979
(252) 465-4091
Gr: K-5 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Central Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
362 Us Hwy 158 W
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0470
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0470
Gr: 6-8 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
Buckland Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
448 Nc 37 North
Gates, NC 27937
(252) 357-1611
Gates, NC 27937
(252) 357-1611
Gr: K-5 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Gates County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Gates County, NC include Gatesville Elementary School, Gates County Senior High School and T S Cooper Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Gates County?
5 public schools are located in Gates County.
What is the racial composition of students in Gates County?
Gates County public schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Gates County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Gates County include: Central Middle School vs. Gates County Senior High School, Gates County Senior High School vs. Central Middle School, Gatesville Elementary School vs. Buckland Elementary School
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