For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 2,767 students in Edgecombe County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Edgecombe County, NC are Edgecombe Early College High School, North East Carolina Prep and North Edgecombe High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Edgecombe County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Edgecombe County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Edgecombe County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 78%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Edgecombe 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 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Edgecombe County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Edgecombe Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2009 West Wilson St
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 618-6554
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 618-6554
Gr: 9-13 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
North East Carolina Prep
Charter School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
274 Husky Trail
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 641-0464
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 641-0464
Gr: PK-12 | 1,020 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #33.
North Edgecombe High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7589 Nc 33-nw
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 823-3562
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 823-3562
Gr: 9-12 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #44.
Southwest Edgecombe High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5912 Nc 43 North
Pinetops, NC 27864
(252) 827-5016
Pinetops, NC 27864
(252) 827-5016
Gr: 9-12 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #55.
Tarboro High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Howard Avenue
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 823-4284
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 823-4284
Gr: 9-12 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: n/an/a
225 Tarboro Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 618-6826
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 618-6826
Gr: 9-11 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Edgecombe County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Fairview Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 985-4320
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 985-4320
Gr: PK-K | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
226 Coleman Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 451-2885
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 451-2885
Gr: K-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Roberson Center For Ed Achievement (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
1731 Roberson School Rd
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 641-6838
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 641-6838
Gr: 6-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Po Box 370
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 823-0450
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 823-0450
Gr: PK-5 | 150 students Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Edgecombe County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Edgecombe County, NC include Edgecombe Early College High School, North East Carolina Prep and North Edgecombe High School.
How many public high schools are located in Edgecombe County?
6 public high schools are located in Edgecombe County.
What is the racial composition of students in Edgecombe County?
Edgecombe County public high schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Edgecombe County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Edgecombe County include: Edgecombe Early College High School vs. Southwest Edgecombe High School, Southwest Edgecombe High School vs. Edgecombe Early College High School, North Edgecombe High School vs. Tarboro High 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.
