For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 2,737 students in Lenoir County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Lenoir County, NC are Lenoir County Early College High School, South Lenoir High School and North Lenoir High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lenoir County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Lenoir County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Lenoir County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 80%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Lenoir County Early College High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Lenoir County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lenoir County Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
231 Hwy 58 South
Kinston, NC 28502
(252) 233-6870
Kinston, NC 28502
(252) 233-6870
Gr: 9-13 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
South Lenoir High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3355 Old Hwy 11 South
Deep Run, NC 28525
(252) 568-6161
Deep Run, NC 28525
(252) 568-6161
Gr: 9-12 | 721 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #33.
North Lenoir High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2400 Institute Road
La Grange, NC 28551
(252) 527-9184
La Grange, NC 28551
(252) 527-9184
Gr: 9-12 | 957 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Kinston High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2601 N Queen St
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8067
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8067
Gr: 9-12 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
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 high schools in Lenoir County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Lenoir County, NC include Lenoir County Early College High School, South Lenoir High School and North Lenoir High School.
How many public high schools are located in Lenoir County?
5 public high schools are located in Lenoir County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lenoir County?
Lenoir County public high schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Lenoir County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Lenoir County include: Kinston High School vs. North Lenoir High School, North Lenoir High School vs. Kinston High School, South Lenoir High School vs. North Lenoir High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.