The only school district in Washington County had rising enrollment in the 2022-23 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
There were 1,039 students in the halls of Washington County Schools, 1.4% higher than the year before.
The enrollment numbers in Washington County amplified the state’s increasing trend, showing a sharper increase in student numbers than the state average.
Washington County Schools has a main office in Plymouth and is the only school district within Washington County.
North Carolina’s public schools are facing a significant funding gap, with a per-student expenditure of $10,519 – well below the national average of $14,295.
This financial strain is further compounded by a significant challenge in staffing with a staggering 58.4% surge in vacant teaching positions in the 2021-22 school year, leaving over 5,000 classrooms without qualified instructors.
| School | Total Enrollment in 2022-23 | Total Enrollment in 2021-22 | Total % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pines Elementary School | 376 | 366 | 2.7% |
| Washington County High School | 254 | 237 | 7.2% |
| Pocosin Innovative Charter | 227 | 219 | 3.7% |
| Washington County Middle School | 219 | 251 | -12.7% |
| Creswell Elementary School | 113 | 99 | 14.1% |
| Washington Early College High | 77 | 72 | 6.9% |
