Best Washington County Public Schools

For the 2026-27 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 (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
115 Middle Street
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:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
800 E Main St
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:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
500 1st St
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:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
37 East Mill Pond Road
Roper, NC 27970
(252) 793-1137
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Washington County, NC

Washington County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
200 South Seventh St
Creswell, NC 27928
(252) 797-7474
Gr: PK-5 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
115 West Middle Street
Creswell, NC 27928
(252) 797-4766
Gr: 6-12 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
115 Middle St
Creswell, NC 27928
(252) 793-5171

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).

Recent Articles

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
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?
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
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.

Quick Links