For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 942 students in Kinston, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Kinston, NC are Lenoir County Early College High School, Kinston High School and Lenoir County Learning Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kinston, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Kinston have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Kinston, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 75%, 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 86% 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 Kinston, NC (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.
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: #33.
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 Kinston, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Kinston, NC include Lenoir County Early College High School, Kinston High School and Lenoir County Learning Academy.
How many public high schools are located in Kinston?
3 public high schools are located in Kinston.
What is the racial composition of students in Kinston?
Kinston public high schools minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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