For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,756 students in 28501, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in 28501, NC are Kinston High School, Contentnea-savannah School and Rochelle Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28501 have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28501, NC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28501, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kinston High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2601 N Queen St
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8067
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8067
Gr: 9-12 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
Contentnea-savannah School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3400 Ferrell Road
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8591
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8591
Gr: PK-8 | 789 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #33.
Rochelle Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
301 N Rochelle Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4290
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4290
Gr: 6-8 | 517 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Southeast Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 Mcdaniels Street
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4210
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4210
Gr: PK-5 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #55.
Northeast Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1002 E Highland Ave
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Gr: PK-5 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
28501, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 Bynum Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Gr: K-5 | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Dobbs School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
3060 Dobbs Farm Rd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0511
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0511
Gr: K-12
Kinston Charter Academy (Closed 2014)
Charter School
2000 Martin L King Jr Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0210
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0210
Gr: K-8 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Lewis School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
501 North Independence Street
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-3456
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-3456
Gr: 6-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
500 Marcella Dr
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-0225
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-0225
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28501, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28501, NC include Kinston High School, Contentnea-savannah School and Rochelle Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 28501?
5 public schools are located in 28501.
What is the racial composition of students in 28501?
28501 public schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.