Your children will thrive in one of North Carolina's highest-performing school districts, where Carteret County Public Schools consistently ranks among the best in the state. With small-town support and academic results that rival metropolitan districts, the system fosters both educational excellence and strong community bonds.
Serving 8,000 students across 18 schools with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and nearly all educators fully licensed, this district ensures individualized attention and a commitment to engaging, educating, and empowering every child.
Morehead City Primary School (Pre-K–3) and Morehead Elementary at Camp Glenn (Grades 4–5) serve as foundational institutions with nurturing environments and community-centered programming. Additional elementary schools across Carteret County provide arts, science, and athletic enrichment within small-school atmospheres.
Morehead City Middle School (Grades 6–8) supports students through pivotal years with foreign language programs, ESL support, and life skills education. A wide range of extracurriculars, from art to athletics, build leadership and confidence.
West Carteret High School offers AP courses, dual enrollment with Carteret Community College, and career pathways that provide college credit or industry certification. Local marine science partnerships connect students to world-class STEM research.
With 72% of students proficient in reading and 57% in math, academic results here exceed state averages and reflect strong family and community support for education.
Carteret Community College offers over 90 programs including Aquaculture, Boat Manufacturing, and Marine Propulsion. Ranked 4th nationally among community colleges, it enables seamless transfers to UNC schools and other four-year institutions, while also supporting lifelong learning and professional development.
With institutions like Duke University Marine Lab, UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, and NOAA’s Beaufort Lab nearby, students benefit from internships, summer programs, and hands-on research in marine biology and environmental science.
St. Egbert Catholic School (Pre-K–5) provides faith-based education in an inclusive setting. The Tiller School, a top-performing charter school, and several other private institutions offer diverse learning philosophies and small class sizes.
The district offers special education, gifted programs, ESL support, and counseling services tailored to each student’s needs. AP, honors, and accelerated learning options challenge students while promoting intellectual growth in a supportive setting.
Through partnerships with the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Crystal Coast Civic Center, and local arts groups, students enjoy educational programming that connects them to cultural heritage. Seamless collaboration with Carteret Community College supports both high school transitions and adult education.
Unlike large urban districts, Carteret County’s schools create nurturing, achievement-oriented environments where students feel known, valued, and inspired to succeed—academically and personally.
