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). 99% of all K-12 students in Washington County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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?
99% of all K-12 students in Washington County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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
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.