For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 4,276 students in Kinston, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Kinston, 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.
Kinston, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Kinston have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Kinston, NC (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.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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%
Rank: #1010.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Kinston, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Kinston, NC include Moss Hill Elementary School, Woodington Middle School and Banks Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Kinston?
10 public elementary schools are located in Kinston.
What is the racial composition of students in Kinston?
Kinston public elementary schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Kinston are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Kinston include: Rochelle Middle School vs. Woodington Middle School, Woodington Middle School vs. Rochelle Middle School
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