Very Good
#539 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 20% in state
Columbus Career and College Academy
High School · Columbus County Schools
PO Box 151, Whiteville, NC 28472
Enrollment
242
Student-Teacher
18.6:1
Score
7.8
Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
242
Student-Teacher
18.6:1
Score
7.8
Grades
9th – UG
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Whiteville
#2 of 8
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#23 of 579
In district
#3 of 11
Columbus County Schools
Equity
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Columbus Career and College Academy
Columbus Career and College Academy serves 242 students in grades 9-12 plus undergraduate programs in Whiteville, North Carolina. This public high school maintains an 18.6:1 student-teacher ratio with 13 full-time equivalent teachers, creating opportunities for more personalized attention in its rural setting. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 and ranking in the 82nd percentile among North Carolina high schools at #491 out of 2,661 schools statewide.
Students show solid proficiency rates with 77% meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts and 73% in mathematics across grade levels. The school's impressive 8.7 academic score reflects its commitment to preparing students for both career and college pathways. Columbus Career and College Academy serves a community where the median household income is $41,755 and the median home value is $125,000.
The surrounding area has a college education rate of 17%, with about one in five residents facing economic challenges. Despite these demographic factors, the school maintains its focus on providing quality education and career preparation opportunities. The academy operates in rural Columbus County, offering students a close-knit educational environment while preparing them for post-secondary success in both workforce and higher education settings.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Columbus Career and College Academy may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Columbus Career and College Academy — Students at Columbus Career and College Academy score 76% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.4/10.
How Columbus Career and College Academy Compares
See how Columbus Career and College Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 75% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 67% (2019) to 76.8% (2025).
Location
PO Box 151, Whiteville, NC 28472
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Columbus Career and College Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. South Columbus High (rated 4.5/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Tabor City), a more accessible option. Another option is Thomas Academy (rated 4.2/10, 14.7 miles away, in nearby Lake Waccamaw), a more accessible option. Additionally, Whiteville High (rated 3.7/10, 4.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Whiteville, see our Whiteville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Chadbourn Elementary Chadbourn | 2.2 mi | 8.7 |
| CAROLINA ADVENTIST ACADEMY Whiteville | 3.9 mi | — |
| Whiteville Primary Whiteville | 4.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Central Middle Whiteville | 4.1 mi | 6.3 |
| North Whiteville Academy Whiteville | 4.1 mi | — |
| Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville Whiteville | 5.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Whiteville High Whiteville | 4.3 mi | 3.7 |
| Edgewood Elementary Whiteville | 4.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Williams Township Whiteville | 8.9 mi | 6.5 |
| West Columbus High Cerro Gordo | 8.1 mi | 3.6 |
| West Columbus School Cerro Gordo | 8.5 mi | 5.5 |
| South Columbus High Tabor City | 11.1 mi | 4.5 |
| Bladenboro Primary Bladenboro | 13.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Bladenboro Middle Bladenboro | 13.7 mi | 3.7 |
| Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary Hallsboro | 11.7 mi | 7.0 |
| Clarkton School of Discovery Clarkton | 13.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Old Dock Elementary Whiteville | 15.7 mi | 9.1 |
| Thomas Academy Lake Waccamaw | 14.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Nakina Middle Nakina | 17.1 mi | 5.5 |
| GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Loris | 17.6 mi | 6.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28472 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$48,963
Median Home Value
$141,000
Median Rent
$788/mo
Population
17,833
College Educated
17.9%
Homeownership
70.7%
Avg Commute
25.7 min
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Median Age
40.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Columbus Career and College Academy has a median household income of $48,963. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $141,000, with a median rent of $788/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.4%. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Johnston County Schools Career Technical Smithfield, NC | 7.8 |
| Wilson Academy of Applied Technology Wilson, NC | 7.8 |
| ASHEVILLE SCHOOL Asheville, NC | 7.7 |
| Chatham Central High Bear Creek, NC | 7.7 |
| Edgecombe Early College High Tarboro, NC | 7.9 |
| Middle College at GTCC-Greensboro Jamestown, NC | 7.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbus Career and College Academy
What grades does Columbus Career and College Academy serve?
Columbus Career and College Academy serves students in grades 9th through UG.
How many students attend Columbus Career and College Academy?
Columbus Career and College Academy has an enrollment of approximately 242 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbus Career and College Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Columbus Career and College Academy is 18.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Columbus Career and College Academy rank in NC?
Columbus Career and College Academy is ranked #539 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Columbus Career and College Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Columbus Career and College Academy has a composite rating of 7.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Columbus Career and College Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbus Career and College Academy has 48.8% math proficiency and 72.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Columbus Career and College Academy a charter school?
No, Columbus Career and College Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Columbus Career and College Academy a Title I school?
No, Columbus Career and College Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbus Career and College Academy?
97.1% of students at Columbus Career and College Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Whiteville). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – UG
- Enrollment
- 242
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 13
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Columbus County
- Phone
- (910) 788-6281
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Columbus County Schools- District Enrollment
- 5,360
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,006
- District Rank
- #3 of 11
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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