Serving 1,583 students in grades 9-12, Purnell Swett High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,583 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Purnell Swett High serves the northwest part of Pembroke, NC, covering an area of approximately 132.5 square miles. Most students live within a 10-15 minute drive, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being about 7 miles and the furthest point located 10.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Purnell Swett High School's student population of 1,583 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,583 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Purnell Swett High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Purnell Swett High School is 0.37, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1843 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)35-39%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
79%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
6%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 25-year historical data
Black
9%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
2%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
77%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)65.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
7%
Showing 2002–2014. View full 16-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Purnell Swett High School's ranking?
Purnell Swett High School is ranked #1843 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Purnell Swett High School often compared to?
Purnell Swett High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lumberton Senior High School, Fairmont High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Purnell Swett High School?
The graduation rate of Purnell Swett High School is 77%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Purnell Swett High School?
1,583 students attend Purnell Swett High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Purnell Swett High School students are American Indian, 9% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Purnell Swett High School?
Purnell Swett High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Purnell Swett High School offer ?
Purnell Swett High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Purnell Swett High School part of?
Purnell Swett High School is part of Of Robeson County School District.
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