For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 2,638 students in Columbus County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbus County, NC are Columbus Career And College Academy, Whiteville High School and West Columbus High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Columbus County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Columbus County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 81%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is East Columbus Junior-senior High School, with 85-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Columbus County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbus Career And College Academy
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4564 Chadbourn Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 788-6281
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 788-6281
Gr: 9-13 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
Whiteville High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
413 N Lee Street
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4189
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4189
Gr: 9-12 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
West Columbus High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7294 Andrew Jackson Hwy Sw
Cerro Gordo, NC 28430
(910) 654-6111
Cerro Gordo, NC 28430
(910) 654-6111
Gr: 9-12 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #44.
North Whiteville Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
310 S Martin Luther King Jr Av
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4161
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 914-4161
Gr: 6-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
South Columbus High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
40 Stallion Drive
Tabor City, NC 28463
(910) 653-4073
Tabor City, NC 28463
(910) 653-4073
Gr: 9-12 | 669 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #66.
East Columbus Junior-senior High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
32 Gator Lane
Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
(910) 646-4094
Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
(910) 646-4094
Gr: 7-12 | 576 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #77.
Thomas Academy
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
206-b Rube Mccray Circle
Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
(910) 646-2237
Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
(910) 646-2237
Gr: 6-12 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Columbus County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbus County, NC include Columbus Career And College Academy, Whiteville High School and West Columbus High School.
How many public high schools are located in Columbus County?
7 public high schools are located in Columbus County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus County?
Columbus County public high schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Columbus County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Columbus County include: West Columbus High School vs. South Columbus High School, East Columbus Junior-senior High School vs. Whiteville High School, Whiteville High School vs. East Columbus Junior-senior High School
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