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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Carteret County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 2,671 students in Carteret County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Carteret County, NC are Croatan High School, West Carteret High School and East Carteret High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carteret County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Carteret County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public high schools.
Carteret County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is East Carteret High School, with 85-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Carteret County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Croatan High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1 Cougar Ln
Newport, NC 28570
(252) 393-7022
Gr: 9-12 | 1,019 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
West Carteret High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
4700 Country Club Rd
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1176
Gr: 8-12 | 1,095 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
East Carteret High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3263 Hwy 70 E
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3514
Gr: 9-12 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Bridges School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
140 Vashti Dr
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 808-3040
Gr: 6-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 36%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Carteret County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Carteret County, NC include Croatan High School, West Carteret High School and East Carteret High School.
How many public high schools are located in Carteret County?
4 public high schools are located in Carteret County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carteret County?
Carteret County public high schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Carteret County are often viewed compared to one another?

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