Edgecombe County Education: Which school had most students enrolled in 2023-24 school year?

North East Carolina Prep had the highest enrollment among Edgecombe County schools, welcoming 1,006 students during the 2023-24 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Among the 18 schools in Edgecombe County, SouthWest Edgecombe High School ranked second in enrollment numbers with 801 students, while G. W. Bulluck Elementary School welcomed 564 students and ranked third in the 2023-24 school year.

North East Carolina Prep is part of North East Carolina Preparatory School district, which roughly covers institutions within Edgecombe County and has a main office in Tarboro.

In the previous school year, North East Carolina Prep also had the highest number of students among Edgecombe County schools.

Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).

Staffing shortages have also become a growing concern, with teacher turnover rising to 11.5% in the most recent school year. Low salaries and high workloads make it difficult to retain experienced educators, potentially increasing class sizes and affecting learning quality.