Needs Improvement
#2602 of 2,648 schools in NC
Purnell Swett High
High School · Public Schools of Robeson County
PO Box 1210, Pembroke, NC 28372
Enrollment
1,604
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
3.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,604
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
3.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Pembroke
#5 of 5
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#557 of 579
In district
#34 of 36
Public Schools of Robeson County
About Purnell Swett High
Purnell Swett High serves 1,604 students in grades 9-12 in Pembroke, North Carolina, operating as a regular public school in Robeson County. With 90 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.8:1, providing reasonable class sizes for this sizable high school. Academically, Purnell Swett High has room for growth, with 36% of students performing proficient or above in English Language Arts and 44% reaching proficiency in mathematics.
The school ranks #1701 out of 2661 North Carolina high schools, placing it in the 36th percentile statewide. These results reflect ongoing efforts to support student achievement in a community facing economic challenges. The school serves a diverse student body in an area where the median household income is $33,788 and the poverty rate reaches 25.2%.
With 22% of local residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, Purnell Swett High plays a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for families in this community. The median home value of $105,800 reflects the area's affordable housing market. Purnell Swett High is situated in a rural setting near the town of Pembroke, offering students a close-knit community atmosphere while serving as an important educational anchor for families throughout Robeson County.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Purnell Swett 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
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Purnell Swett High — Students at Purnell Swett High score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.5%
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: 3.5/10.
How Purnell Swett High Compares
See how Purnell Swett High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 29% (2019) to 22.7% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 29% (2019) to 35.9% (2025).
Location
PO Box 1210, Pembroke, NC 28372
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Purnell Swett High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Union Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 4.2 miles away, in nearby Rowland), which scores notably higher. Another option is South Johnson Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Laurinburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Prospect Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Maxton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Pembroke, see our Pembroke schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Prospect Elementary Maxton | 2.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Pembroke Middle Pembroke | 2.5 mi | 5.2 |
| CIS Academy Lumberton | 2.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Old Main STREAM Academy Pembroke | 2.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Pembroke Elementary Pembroke | 3.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Union Elementary Rowland | 4.2 mi | 8.6 |
| MIND AND SOUL SCHOOL Maxcon | 5.1 mi | — |
| MOUNT ZION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Pembroke | 5.1 mi | — |
| Oxendine Elementary Maxton | 7.6 mi | 8.0 |
| Townsend Elementary Maxton | 6.5 mi | 5.8 |
| RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lumberton | 7.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Union Chapel Elementary Pembroke | 6.5 mi | 7.9 |
| Deep Branch Elementary Lumberton | 7.3 mi | 6.4 |
| Peterson Elementary Red Springs | 8.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Red Springs Middle Red Springs | 9.2 mi | 4.5 |
| HIGHLANDER ACADEMY Red Springs | 9.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Red Springs High Red Springs | 9.4 mi | 4.4 |
| South Robeson Middle School Rowland | 10.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Southside Ashpole Elementary Rowland | 11.7 mi | 5.2 |
| South Johnson Elementary Laurinburg | 11.9 mi | 8.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28372 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$31,860
Median Home Value
$100,900
Median Rent
$728/mo
Population
12,286
College Educated
22.3%
Homeownership
59.2%
Avg Commute
22.1 min
Poverty Rate
30.5%
Median Age
29
Community Profile
The community surrounding Purnell Swett High has a median household income of $31,860. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $100,900, with a median rent of $728/month. The area has a poverty rate of 30.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 22 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 |
|---|---|
| Freedom High Morganton, NC | 3.2 |
| Garinger High School Charlotte, NC | 3.1 |
| Hunter Huss High Gastonia, NC | 3.1 |
| A L Brown High Kannapolis, NC | 3.4 |
| West Cabarrus High Concord, NC | 3.4 |
| West Rowan High Mount Ulla, NC | 3.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Purnell Swett High
What grades does Purnell Swett High serve?
Purnell Swett High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Purnell Swett High?
Purnell Swett High has an enrollment of approximately 1,604 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Purnell Swett High?
The student-teacher ratio at Purnell Swett High is 17.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Purnell Swett High rank in NC?
Purnell Swett High is ranked #2602 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Purnell Swett High's MySchoolScout rating?
Purnell Swett High has a composite rating of 3.2 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 Purnell Swett High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Purnell Swett High has 32.6% math proficiency and 33.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Purnell Swett High a charter school?
No, Purnell Swett High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Purnell Swett High a Title I school?
No, Purnell Swett High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Purnell Swett High?
99.5% of students at Purnell Swett 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Pembroke). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,604
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 90
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Robeson County
- Phone
- (910) 521-3253
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Public Schools of Robeson County- District Enrollment
- 20,983
- Schools in District
- 37
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,767
- District Rank
- #34 of 36
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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