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Very Good

#530 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

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#530 of 2,648

In Whiteville

#2 of 8

public schools

In district

#2 of 11

Columbus County Schools

Equity

9.7 / 10

Excellent

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Columbus Career and College Academy

7.8/10

High School in Whiteville · grades 9th – UG. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Chadbourn Elementary

7.5/10

2.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Carolina Adventist Academy

Nearby

3.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Columbus Career and College Academy

Columbus Career and College Academy is a public high school in Whiteville, NC, part of Columbus County Schools. Columbus Career and College Academy serves approximately 242 students, and covers grades 9th-UG, and has a 18.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Columbus Career and College Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #530 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Columbus Career and College Academy show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.9 pts above district
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • District avg 4.9
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Columbus Career and College Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.8Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.67 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics9.3Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency71.9% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency76.8% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+15.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+23.2 pts
Overall Proficiency74% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+27.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile90th
College Readiness9.2Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.1Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,006
Chronic Absenteeism16.5%

Columbus Career and College Academy — Students at Columbus Career and College Academy score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

97.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 47.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 71.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2010
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
34.5%
ELA
64.5%
2013
Math
34.5%
ELA
64.5%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
34.5%
ELA
74.5%
2021*
Math
34.5%
ELA
74.5%
2025
Math
71.9%
ELA
76.8%

* 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: 5.8/10.

How Columbus Career and College Academy Compares

See how Columbus Career and College Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.8/10
80th percentile in NC
Academic
9.3/10
Excellent
Growth
5.8/10
Average
Environment
6.1/10
Average
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
97%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.5%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

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. Whiteville High (rated 5.8/10, 4.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is South Columbus High (rated 4.2/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Tabor City), a more accessible option. Additionally, Thomas Academy (rated 4.2/10, 14.7 miles away, in nearby Lake Waccamaw), 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 7.5
CAROLINA ADVENTIST ACADEMY Whiteville 3.9 mi
Whiteville Primary Whiteville 4.0 mi 7.7
Central Middle Whiteville 4.1 mi 7.0
North Whiteville Academy Whiteville 4.1 mi
Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville Whiteville 5.0 mi 3.0
Whiteville High Whiteville 4.3 mi 5.8
Edgewood Elementary Whiteville 4.9 mi 7.2
Williams Township Whiteville 8.9 mi 5.1
West Columbus High Cerro Gordo 8.1 mi 4.1
West Columbus School Cerro Gordo 8.5 mi 5.0
South Columbus High Tabor City 11.1 mi 4.2
Bladenboro Primary Bladenboro 13.7 mi 5.6
Bladenboro Middle Bladenboro 13.7 mi 4.5
Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary Hallsboro 11.7 mi 7.4
Clarkton School of Discovery Clarkton 13.4 mi 5.7
Old Dock Elementary Whiteville 15.7 mi 8.0
Thomas Academy Lake Waccamaw 14.7 mi 4.2
Nakina Middle Nakina 17.1 mi 6.8
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

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Craven Early College High New Bern, NC 7.8
Crossroads FLEX Cary, NC 7.8
Early College of Forsyth Co Winston-Salem, NC 7.8
Lenoir County Early College High Kinston, NC 7.8
Levine Middle College High Sch Mathews, NC 7.8
Merancas Middle College-CPCC Huntersville, NC 7.8

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 ranks #530 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Columbus Career and College Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbus Career and College Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Columbus Career and College Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Columbus Career and College Academy has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.5%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Columbus County Schools
District Enrollment
5,360
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,006
District Rank
#2 of 11

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