For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 3,482 students in Pender County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Pender County, NC are Pender Early College High School, Topsail High School and Pender High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pender County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Pender County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public high schools.
Pender County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Topsail High School, with 96% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Pender County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pender Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
100 East Industrial Drive
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 362-7925
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 362-7925
Gr: 9-13 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Topsail High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
245 St. Johns Church Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2755
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2755
Gr: 9-12 | 1,888 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Pender High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5380 Nc Hwy 53 W
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0162
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0162
Gr: 9-12 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #44.
Heide Trask High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
14328 Nc Hwy 210
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-6810
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-6810
Gr: 9-12 | 734 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Pender County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Pender County Alternative (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
798 Us Hwy 117 South
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0156
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0156
Gr: 4-12 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Pender Innovative Learning Academy (Closed 2025)
Alternative School
1886 Nc Hwy 133
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Gr: K-12 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Pender County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Pender County, NC include Pender Early College High School, Topsail High School and Pender High School.
How many public high schools are located in Pender County?
4 public high schools are located in Pender County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pender County?
Pender County public high schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Pender County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Pender County include: Heide Trask High School vs. Pender High School, Pender Early College High School vs. Topsail High School, Pender High School vs. Heide Trask High School
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