For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,333 students in 28516, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in 28516, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 28516 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 28516, NC 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 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28516, NC Public Schools (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 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
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 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Beaufort Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
110 Carraway Dr
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3316
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3316
Gr: PK-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Beaufort Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Carraway Dr
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-4520
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-4520
Gr: 6-8 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28516, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28516, NC include Tiller School, East Carteret High School and Beaufort Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28516?
4 public schools are located in 28516.
What is the racial composition of students in 28516?
28516 public schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
