Needs Improvement
#2609 of 2,648 schools in NC
James Kenan High
High School · Duplin County Schools
1241 NC 24 & 50, Warsaw, NC 28398
Enrollment
775
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
3.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
775
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
3.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Warsaw
#2 of 2
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#558 of 579
In district
#12 of 13
Duplin County Schools
About James Kenan High
James Kenan High is a public high school serving grades 9 through 12 in Warsaw, North Carolina, a rural area of Duplin County. The school enrolls approximately 775 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.2:1 with 45 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Academically, James Kenan High is working with significant challenges.
About 30 percent of students are meeting proficiency standards in both English Language Arts and math, indicating considerable room for academic growth across core subjects. The school's overall academic performance reflects these dynamics, with a MySchoolScout rating of 2.1 out of 10 and a state ranking in the third percentile among North Carolina schools. For families considering this school, it's important to understand these performance metrics as you evaluate educational fit and support options.
The rural setting of Warsaw provides a tight-knit community context for the school's operations and student life.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, James Kenan High 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
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
James Kenan High — Students at James Kenan High score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.6%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 3.3/10.
How James Kenan High Compares
See how James Kenan High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 37% (2019) to 27.3% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 27% (2019) to 32.1% (2025).
Location
1241 NC 24 & 50, Warsaw, NC 28398
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James Kenan High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Duplin Early College High (rated 6.5/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Kenansville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Union High (rated 5.0/10, 16.4 miles away, in nearby Rose Hill), which scores notably higher. Additionally, North Duplin Jr Sr High (rated 4.5/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Mt. Olive), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Warsaw, see our Warsaw schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw Elementary Warsaw | 2.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Duplin Early College High Kenansville | 4.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Kenansville Elementary Kenansville | 5.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary Rose Hill | 9.4 mi | 4.6 |
| North Duplin Jr Sr High Mt. Olive | 10.6 mi | 4.5 |
| North Duplin Elementary Mt. Olive | 10.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Carver Elementary Mount Olive | 14.9 mi | 8.8 |
| Wallace-Rose Hill High Teachey | 14.9 mi | 3.1 |
| Mount Olive Middle Mount Olive | 15.1 mi | 4.8 |
| Hargrove Elementary Faison | 13.3 mi | 7.9 |
| B F Grady Elementary Albertson | 13.1 mi | 6.5 |
| ZELOPHEHAD'S DAUGHTERS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wallace | 16.6 mi | — |
| Union Middle Clinton | 14.5 mi | 4.2 |
| NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wallace | 17.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Union Elementary Clinton | 15.8 mi | 7.2 |
| Wallace Elementary Wallace | 17.7 mi | 4.1 |
| NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Clinton | 14.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Union High Rose Hill | 16.4 mi | 5.0 |
| East Duplin High Beulaville | 15.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Southern Wayne High Dudley | 18.6 mi | 3.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28398 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$45,167
Median Home Value
$86,000
Median Rent
$833/mo
Population
6,084
College Educated
12.8%
Homeownership
55.1%
Avg Commute
28.5 min
Poverty Rate
17.3%
Median Age
38.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding James Kenan High has a median household income of $45,167. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $86,000, with a median rent of $833/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.3%. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| Bessemer City High Bessemer City, NC | 3.1 |
| Rockingham County High Wentworth, NC | 3.1 |
| Wallace-Rose Hill High Teachey, NC | 3.1 |
| Bunker Hill High Claremont, NC | 3.0 |
| Providence Grove High School Climax, NC | 3.0 |
| Randleman High School Randleman, NC | 3.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Kenan High
What grades does James Kenan High serve?
James Kenan High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend James Kenan High?
James Kenan High has an enrollment of approximately 775 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James Kenan High?
The student-teacher ratio at James Kenan High is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James Kenan High rank in NC?
James Kenan High is ranked #2609 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is James Kenan High's MySchoolScout rating?
James Kenan High has a composite rating of 3.1 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 James Kenan High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, James Kenan High has 30.4% math proficiency and 30.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is James Kenan High a charter school?
No, James Kenan High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James Kenan High a Title I school?
No, James Kenan High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Kenan High?
99.6% of students at James Kenan High 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
- City Safety
- High (3,397/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Warsaw). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 775
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Duplin County
- Phone
- (910) 293-4218
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Duplin County Schools- District Enrollment
- 9,835
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,214
- District Rank
- #12 of 13
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.