For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,381 students in Washington, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 37 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Washington, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Washington, NC are Beaufort Co Early College High School, Washington Montessori and Washington High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washington, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Washington have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Washington, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Beaufort Co Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5337 Hwy 264 East, Building 10
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 940-6227
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 940-6227
Gr: 9-13 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 42:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Washington Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2330 Old Bath Hwy
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1977
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1977
Gr: K-12 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Washington High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 Slatestone Road
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0858
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0858
Gr: 9-12 | 794 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
P S Jones Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4105 N Market Street Ext
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0874
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0874
Gr: 6-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #55.
John C Tayloe Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
910 Tarboro Street
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3350
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3350
Gr: 2-3 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #66.
John Small Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4103 North Market Street Ext
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3941
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3941
Gr: 4-5 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: n/an/a
947 Hudnell Street
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1611
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1611
Gr: PK-1 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Washington, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Washington, NC include Beaufort Co Early College High School, Washington Montessori and Washington High School.
How many public schools are located in Washington?
7 public schools are located in Washington.
What percentage of students in Washington go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Washington are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington?
Washington public schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Washington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washington include: Beaufort Co Early College High School vs. Washington High School, John C Tayloe Elementary School vs. John Small Elementary School, Eastern Elementary School vs. Washington Montessori
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