For the 2024-25 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 5,229 students in Kinston, NC (there are 5 private schools, serving 1,160 private students). 82% of all K-12 students in Kinston, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Kinston, NC are Lenoir County Early College High School, Moss Hill Elementary School and Woodington Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kinston, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Kinston have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Kinston, NC (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Lenoir County Early College High School
Magnet 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
Grades: 9-13
| 196 students
Rank: #22.
Moss Hill Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6040 Hwy 55 West
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 569-5071
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 569-5071
Grades: K-5
| 389 students
Rank: #33.
Woodington Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4939 Hwy 258 South
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9570
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9570
Grades: 6-8
| 577 students
Rank: #44.
Banks Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2148 Falling Creek Rd
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Grades: PK-5
| 462 students
Rank: #55.
Northwest Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1701 Old Well Rd
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-5143
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-5143
Grades: K-5
| 478 students
Rank: #66.
Kinston High School
Magnet 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
Grades: 9-12
| 713 students
Rank: #77.
Contentnea-savannah School
Magnet School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3400 Ferrell Road
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8591
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8591
Grades: PK-8
| 859 students
Rank: #88.
Children's Village Academy
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
701 North Adkin Street
Kinston, NC 28502
(252) 939-1958
Kinston, NC 28502
(252) 939-1958
Grades: K-8
| 155 students
Rank: #99.
Southwood Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1245 Hwy 58 South
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9081
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9081
Grades: K-5
| 241 students
Rank: #1010.
Rochelle Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
301 N Rochelle Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4290
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4290
Grades: 6-8
| 466 students
Rank: #1111.
Southeast Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 Mcdaniels Street
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4210
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4210
Grades: PK-5
| 190 students
Rank: #1212.
Northeast Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1002 E Highland Ave
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Grades: PK-5
| 442 students
Rank: #1313.
Lenoir County Learning Academy
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet 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
Grades: PK-12
| 61 students
Kinston, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
100 Bynum Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Grades: K-5
| 207 students
Caswell Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2415 West Vernon Ave
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 208-3410
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 208-3410
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Dobbs School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
3060 Dobbs Farm Rd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0511
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0511
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Kennedy Home (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
2557 Cedar Dell Lane
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4432
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4432
Grades: K-12
| 71 students
Kinston Charter Academy (Closed 2014)
Charter School
2000 Martin L King Jr Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0210
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0210
Grades: K-8
| 297 students
Lewis School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
501 North Independence Street
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-3456
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-3456
Grades: 6-12
| 39 students
500 Marcella Dr
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-0225
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-0225
Grades: PK-5
| 376 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Kinston, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Kinston, NC include Lenoir County Early College High School, Moss Hill Elementary School and Woodington Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Kinston?
13 public schools are located in Kinston.
What percentage of students in Kinston go to public school?
82% of all K-12 students in Kinston are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Kinston?
Kinston public schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Kinston are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Kinston include: Rochelle Middle School vs. Woodington Middle School, Woodington Middle School vs. Rochelle Middle School
Recent Articles
How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
We explore the significant impact of bullying on students' academic performance, discussing statistics, research findings, and long-term effects. It provides valuable insights for educators and parents on recognizing bullying behaviors and implementing effective prevention strategies to create a safe learning environment.
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
This comprehensive guide explores the increasing trend of legal prosecution for school fights, discussing recent incidents, age considerations, and the shift from traditional school punishments to law enforcement involvement. It provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and students about the evolving landscape of school discipline and safety measures.
Understanding Rubrics
This article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.
