Pender Early College High School, also known as PEC or PECHS, is a school in Burgaw, North Carolina, United States, created by the Early College High School Initiative, and sponsored by the New Schools Project.
Serving 202 students in grades 9-13, Pender Early College High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥80% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥90% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 202 students
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pender Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Community Size
School Overview
Pender Early College High School's student population of 202 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 4 teachers has declined by 63% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
202 students
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Year Founded
2006
School Calendar
School Rankings
Pender Early College High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pender Early College High School is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#89 out of 2617 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥80%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
23%
22%
Black
5%
24%
White
65%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥90%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Seawolves
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pender Early College High School's ranking?
Pender Early College High School is ranked #89 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Pender Early College High School often compared to?
Pender Early College High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Topsail High School, Pender High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pender Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Pender Early College High School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Pender Early College High School?
202 students attend Pender Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Pender Early College High School students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Pender Early College High School offer ?
Pender Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Pender Early College High School part of?
Pender Early College High School is part of Pender County Schools.
School Reviews
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