For the 2026-27 school year, there is 1 public school serving 217 students in 28502, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 89 private students). 71% of all K-12 students in 28502, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public school in 28502, NC is Lenoir County Early College High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public school in zipcode 28502 have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 85% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28502, NC have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28502, NC Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lenoir County Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
231 Hwy 58 South
Kinston, NC 28502
(252) 233-6870
Kinston, NC 28502
(252) 233-6870
Gr: 9-13 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28502, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28502, NC include Lenoir County Early College High School.
How many public schools are located in 28502?
1 public schools are located in 28502.
What percentage of students in 28502 go to public school?
71% of all K-12 students in 28502 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28502?
28502 public schools minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.