Kinston High School is a four-year public high school located in Kinston, North Carolina, United States. Kinston High was built in 1970 as an integrated high school to serve the city. The International Baccalaureate program started at Kinston High during the 2003–2004 school year.
Serving 659 students in grades 9-12, Kinston High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-59% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 659 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kinston High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Kinston High School's student population of 659 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
659 students
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Year Founded
1970
Colors
Forest Green and Old Gold
School Rankings
Kinston High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kinston High School is 0.24, 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
#1741 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)50-59%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
5%
22%
Black
87%
24%
White
3%
42%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)80-84%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Viking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kinston High School's ranking?
Kinston High School is ranked #1741 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Kinston High School often compared to?
Kinston High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Lenoir High School, South Lenoir High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Kinston High School?
The graduation rate of Kinston High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Kinston High School?
659 students attend Kinston High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Kinston High School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kinston High School?
Kinston High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Kinston High School offer ?
Kinston High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kinston High School part of?
Kinston High School is part of Lenoir County School District.
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