Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#2548 of 2,648 schools in NC

Tarboro High

High School · Edgecombe County Public Schools

1400 Howard Avenue, Tarboro, NC 27886

Enrollment

506

Student-Teacher

16.9:1

Score

3.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,548 of 2,648

In Tarboro

#8 of 8

public schools

In district

#14 of 14

Edgecombe County Public Schools

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Tarboro High?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Tarboro High

3.1/10

High School in Tarboro · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Stocks Elementary

4.2/10

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

Martin Millennium Academy

7.9/10

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

About Tarboro High

Tarboro High is a public high school in Tarboro, NC, part of Edgecombe County Public Schools. Tarboro High serves approximately 506 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Tarboro High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,548 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Tarboro High show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.3 pts below district
  • This school 3.1 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.4
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

41% of students at Tarboro High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.4Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.61 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.8Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency22.6% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency16.3% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-33.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-37.3 pts
Overall Proficiency19% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-27.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile3th
College Readiness4.9Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
AP Participation4.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.2Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,702
Chronic Absenteeism40.5%

Tarboro High — Students at Tarboro High score 19% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

98.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 28.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 36.2% (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

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2014
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
22%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
22%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2025
Math
22.6%
ELA
16.3%

* 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: 1.4/10.

How Tarboro High Compares

See how Tarboro High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.1/10
4th percentile in NC
Academic
1.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.2/10
Below Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 3
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
40.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
4.2% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

1400 Howard Avenue, Tarboro, NC 27886

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tarboro High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Edgecombe Early College High (rated 8.5/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is North Edgecombe High (rated 5.9/10, 6.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SouthWest Edgecombe High (rated 4.2/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Pinetops), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tarboro, see our Tarboro schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Stocks Elementary Tarboro 0.8 mi 4.2
Martin Millennium Academy Tarboro 1.3 mi 7.9
North East Carolina Prep Tarboro 1.4 mi 8.2
Edgecombe Early College High Tarboro 1.7 mi 8.5
W A Pattillo Middle Tarboro 1.9 mi 5.8
Princeville Elementary Tarboro 2.1 mi 6.2
Coker-Wimberly Elementary Battleboro 5.8 mi 6.0
North Edgecombe High Tarboro 6.2 mi 5.9
SouthWest Edgecombe High Pinetops 7.2 mi 4.2
G W Carver Elementary Pinetops 8.9 mi 7.6
South Edgecombe Middle Pinetops 9.8 mi 6.0
Phillips Middle Battleboro 10.0 mi 4.6
G W Bulluck Elementary Rocky Mount 9.2 mi 4.1
West Edgecombe Middle Rocky Mount 10.0 mi 4.2
Northwest Elementary Greenville 12.2 mi 6.0
Hobgood Charter School Hobgood 12.6 mi 6.0
HOBGOOD ACADEMY Hobgood 12.6 mi
Bethel Elementary Bethel 12.4 mi 5.4
Baskerville Elementary Rocky Mount 12.4 mi 1.6
D S Johnson Elementary Rocky Mount 12.4 mi 1.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27886 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$51,180

Median Home Value

$121,800

Median Rent

$751/mo

Population

18,560

College Educated

19%

Homeownership

65.9%

Avg Commute

20.3 min

Poverty Rate

17.8%

Median Age

46.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Carver High Winston-Salem, NC 3.1
Eastern Randolph High School Ramseur, NC 3.2
Bessemer City High Bessemer City, NC 3.4
Goldsboro High Goldsboro, NC 2.8
J. F. Webb High Oxford, NC 3.5
Commonwealth High Charlotte, NC 3.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tarboro High

What grades does Tarboro High serve?

Tarboro High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Tarboro High?

Tarboro High has an enrollment of approximately 506 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Tarboro High?

The student-teacher ratio at Tarboro High is 16.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tarboro High rank in NC?

Tarboro High ranks #2,548 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Tarboro High's MySchoolScout rating?

Tarboro High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 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 Tarboro High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Tarboro High has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Tarboro High a charter school?

No, Tarboro High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Tarboro High a Title I school?

No, Tarboro High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Tarboro High?

98.8% of students at Tarboro 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
50 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
44 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
506
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
98.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Edgecombe County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
40.5%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Edgecombe County Public Schools
District Enrollment
5,299
Schools in District
15
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,702
District Rank
#14 of 14

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related 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.