Average
#2156 of 2,648 schools in NC
Union High
High School · Sampson County Schools
1189 Kader Merritt Road, Rose Hill, NC 28458
Enrollment
484
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
484
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Rose Hill
#1 of 2
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#358 of 579
In district
#13 of 18
Sampson County Schools
About Union High
Union High, located in the remote rural area of Rose Hill, North Carolina, serves students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 484 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15.6:1, Union High provides individualized attention to each student. The school has 31 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting its diverse student body.
Academically, Union High currently ranks in the sixth percentile among North Carolina high schools, with room for improvement in both ELA and math proficiency rates. Specifically, 36% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts (ELA) reading, while 47% meet or exceed standards in mathematics. Despite these challenges, Union High remains committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and development.
Union High's setting offers a close-knit community feel, with students and families closely connected within the rural Sampson County area.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Union 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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Union High — Students at Union High score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.4%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 2.0/10.
How Union High Compares
See how Union High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 21.8% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 32% (2019) to 44.7% (2025).
Location
1189 Kader Merritt Road, Rose Hill, NC 28458
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Union High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Sampson Early College High (rated 6.4/10, 14.4 miles away, in nearby Clinton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Clinton High (rated 3.9/10, 12.4 miles away, in nearby Clinton), a more accessible option. Additionally, Wallace-Rose Hill High (rated 3.1/10, 13.7 miles away, in nearby Teachey), a more accessible option. For more schools in Rose Hill, see our Rose Hill schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Union Elementary Clinton | 1.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Union Middle Clinton | 4.2 mi | 4.2 |
| Union Intermediate Clinton | 4.1 mi | 5.1 |
| HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Harrells | 6.1 mi | 5.9 |
| NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Clinton | 11.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Clinton High Clinton | 12.4 mi | 3.9 |
| Sampson Middle Clinton | 12.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Butler Avenue Elementary Clinton | 13.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Sunset Avenue Elementary Clinton | 14.0 mi | 7.4 |
| SPIRIT OF LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Clinton | 14.1 mi | 7.7 |
| Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary Rose Hill | 12.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Sampson Early College High Clinton | 14.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Langdon C Kerr Elementary Clinton | 14.9 mi | 7.0 |
| Wallace-Rose Hill High Teachey | 13.7 mi | 3.1 |
| Penderlea Elementary Willard | 15.2 mi | 6.7 |
| Warsaw Elementary Warsaw | 15.8 mi | 6.0 |
| NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wallace | 14.4 mi | 6.5 |
| ZELOPHEHAD'S DAUGHTERS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wallace | 14.4 mi | — |
| MINTZ CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Roseboro | 14.7 mi | 6.2 |
| James Kenan High Warsaw | 16.4 mi | 3.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28458 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$37,128
Median Home Value
$114,600
Median Rent
$701/mo
Population
5,768
College Educated
15.3%
Homeownership
60.7%
Avg Commute
27.2 min
Poverty Rate
20.5%
Median Age
39
Community Profile
The community surrounding Union High has a median household income of $37,128. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $114,600, with a median rent of $701/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| East Rutherford High School Forest City, NC | 5.0 |
| Louisburg Magnet High Louisburg, NC | 5.0 |
| Challenger Early College High Hickory, NC | 4.9 |
| Hayesville High Hayesville, NC | 4.9 |
| Mountain Heritage High Burnsville, NC | 5.1 |
| Cherryville High Cherryville, NC | 4.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Union High
What grades does Union High serve?
Union High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Union High?
Union High has an enrollment of approximately 484 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Union High?
The student-teacher ratio at Union High is 15.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Union High rank in NC?
Union High is ranked #2156 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Union High's MySchoolScout rating?
Union High has a composite rating of 5.0 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 Union High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Union High has 46.9% math proficiency and 36.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Union High a charter school?
No, Union High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Union High a Title I school?
No, Union High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Union High?
99.4% of students at Union 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
- County Safety
- Elevated (1,360/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 484
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 31
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Sampson County
- Phone
- (910) 532-6300
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Sampson County Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,086
- Schools in District
- 18
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,239
- District Rank
- #13 of 18
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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