For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,179 students in 28504, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,071 private students). 67% of all K-12 students in 28504, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28504, NC are Moss Hill Elementary School, Woodington Middle School and Banks Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28504 have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28504, NC have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28504, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Moss Hill Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6040 Hwy 55 West
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 569-5071
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 569-5071
Gr: K-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
Woodington Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4939 Hwy 258 South
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9570
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9570
Gr: 6-8 | 584 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
Banks Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2148 Falling Creek Rd
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #44.
Northwest Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1701 Old Well Rd
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-5143
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-5143
Gr: K-5 | 504 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #55.
Southwood Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1245 Hwy 58 South
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9081
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9081
Gr: PK-5 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
Lenoir County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2529 Cedar Dell Lane, Haigler-
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4264
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4264
Gr: PK-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
28504, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Caswell Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2415 West Vernon Ave
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 208-3410
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 208-3410
Gr: Inquire with school
Kennedy Home (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
2557 Cedar Dell Lane
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4432
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4432
Gr: K-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28504, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28504, NC include Moss Hill Elementary School, Woodington Middle School and Banks Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28504?
6 public schools are located in 28504.
What percentage of students in 28504 go to public school?
67% of all K-12 students in 28504 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28504?
28504 public schools minority enrollment is 60% 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.