New Bern High School in Craven County welcomed most students in 2022-23 school year

New Bern High School had the highest enrollment among Craven County schools, welcoming 1,554 students during the 2022-23 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Among the 23 schools in Craven County, Havelock High School ranked second in enrollment numbers with 1,050 students, while West Craven High School welcomed 817 students and ranked third in the 2022-23 school year.

New Bern High School is part of Craven County Schools district, which roughly covers institutions within Craven County and has a main office in New Bern.

In the previous school year, New Bern High School also had the highest number of students among Craven County schools.

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.