For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,230 students in Washington County, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 19 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Washington County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Washington County, NC are Washington Early College High School, Washington County High School and Pocosin Innovative Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washington County, NC public schools 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 Washington County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Washington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
115 Middle Street
Creswell, NC 27928
(252) 797-4766
Creswell, NC 27928
(252) 797-4766
Gr: 9-13 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #22.
Washington County High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
800 E Main St
Plymouth, NC 27962
(252) 793-3031
Plymouth, NC 27962
(252) 793-3031
Gr: 6-12 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #33.
Pocosin Innovative Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 1st St
Creswell, NC 27928
(252) 797-0230
Creswell, NC 27928
(252) 797-0230
Gr: K-8 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #44.
Washington County Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
37 East Mill Pond Road
Roper, NC 27970
(252) 793-1137
Roper, NC 27970
(252) 793-1137
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Washington County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Washington County, NC include Washington Early College High School, Washington County High School and Pocosin Innovative Charter.
How many public schools are located in Washington County?
5 public schools are located in Washington County.
What percentage of students in Washington County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Washington County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington County?
Washington County public schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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