Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public High Schools in Pender County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Pender County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 3,482 students in Pender County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Pender County, NC are Pender Early College High School, Topsail High School and Pender High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pender County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Pender County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public high schools.
Pender County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Topsail High School, with 96% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 34% 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 Pender County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pender Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
100 East Industrial Drive
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 362-7925
Gr: 9-13 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 51:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Topsail High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
245 St. Johns Church Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2755
Gr: 9-12 | 1,945 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Pender High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5380 Nc Hwy 53 W
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0162
Gr: 9-12 | 648 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Heide Trask High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
14328 Nc Hwy 210
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-6810
Gr: 9-12 | 732 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Pender Innovative Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1886 Nc Hwy 133
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Gr: K-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 34%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Pender County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Pender County, NC include Pender Early College High School, Topsail High School and Pender High School.
How many public high schools are located in Pender County?
4 public high schools are located in Pender County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pender County?
Pender County public high schools minority enrollment is 34% 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 Pender County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
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
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
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (NC):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: