For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,017 students in 28472, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 161 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in 28472, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28472, NC are Columbus Career And College Academy, Old Dock Elementary School and Whiteville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28472 have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28472, NC have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28472, NC Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbus Career And College Academy
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4564 Chadbourn Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 788-6281
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 788-6281
Gr: 9-13 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
Old Dock Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12489 New Britton Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-2084
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-2084
Gr: PK-4 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
Whiteville High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
413 N Lee Street
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4189
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4189
Gr: 9-12 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #44.
Central Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
310 S Martin L King Jr Ave
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-3546
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-3546
Gr: 6-8 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #55.
Edgewood Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
317 E Calhoun Street
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-3121
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-3121
Gr: 3-5 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #66.
North Whiteville Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
310 S Martin Luther King Jr Av
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4161
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4161
Gr: 6-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #77.
Williams Township
(Math: 46% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
10400 James B White Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 653-3791
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 653-3791
Gr: PK-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #88.
Classical Charter Schools Of Whiteville
Charter School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
35 Bacon's Way
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 641-4042
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 641-4042
Gr: K-8 | 842 students Student-teacher ratio: 44:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: n/an/a
805 Barbcrest Avenue
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-4119
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-4119
Gr: PK-2 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
28472, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Nakina Alternative (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
9822 Seven Creeks Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-8301
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-8301
Gr: 6-10 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28472, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28472, NC include Columbus Career And College Academy, Old Dock Elementary School and Whiteville High School.
How many public schools are located in 28472?
9 public schools are located in 28472.
What percentage of students in 28472 go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in 28472 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28472?
28472 public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.