For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,370 students in Beaufort, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Beaufort, NC are Tiller School, East Carteret High School and Beaufort Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Beaufort, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Beaufort have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Beaufort, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tiller School
Charter School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1950 Live Oak Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-1995
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-1995
Gr: K-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
East Carteret High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3263 Hwy 70 E
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3514
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3514
Gr: 9-12 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Beaufort Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
110 Carraway Drive
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3316
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3316
Gr: PK-5 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #44.
Beaufort Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Carraway Drive
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-4520
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-4520
Gr: 6-8 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Beaufort, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bridges Alternative School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
1108 Bridges Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 808-3040
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 808-3040
Gr: PK-12 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Beaufort, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Beaufort, NC include Tiller School, East Carteret High School and Beaufort Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Beaufort?
4 public schools are located in Beaufort.
What is the racial composition of students in Beaufort?
Beaufort public schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Beaufort are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Beaufort include: Tiller School vs. Beaufort Elementary School, Beaufort Elementary School vs. Tiller School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.