Below Average
#2328 of 2,648 schools in NC
West Columbus High
High School · Columbus County Schools
PO Box 130, Cerro Gordo, NC 28430
Enrollment
455
Student-Teacher
16.2:1
Score
4.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
455
Student-Teacher
16.2:1
Score
4.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,328 of 2,648
In Cerro Gordo
#2 of 2
public schools
In district
#10 of 11
Columbus County Schools
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West Columbus High
High School in Cerro Gordo · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
West Columbus School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Chadbourn Elementary
5.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About West Columbus High
West Columbus High is a public high school in Cerro Gordo, NC, part of Columbus County Schools. West Columbus High serves approximately 455 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.2:1 student-teacher ratio. West Columbus High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,328 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for West Columbus High show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.1 · Below Average
- District avg 4.9
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
West Columbus High 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.
42% of students at West Columbus 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 metricsView breakdown
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West Columbus High — Students at West Columbus High score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 28 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: 4.3/10.
How West Columbus High Compares
See how West Columbus High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO Box 130, Cerro Gordo, NC 28430
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Columbus High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Columbus Career and College Academy (rated 7.8/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Whiteville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Green Sea Floyds High (rated 6.8/10, 13.8 miles away, in nearby Green Sea), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Fairmont High (rated 6.8/10, 14.3 miles away, in nearby Fairmont), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Cerro Gordo, see our Cerro Gordo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Columbus School Cerro Gordo | 0.4 mi | 5.0 |
| Chadbourn Elementary Chadbourn | 5.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Columbus Career and College Academy Whiteville | 8.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Orrum Middle Orrum | 10.7 mi | 2.8 |
| Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville Whiteville | 10.1 mi | 3.0 |
| South Columbus High Tabor City | 12.4 mi | 4.2 |
| CAROLINA ADVENTIST ACADEMY Whiteville | 11.2 mi | — |
| Williams Township Whiteville | 12.5 mi | 5.1 |
| Green Sea Floyds High Green Sea | 13.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Green Sea Floyds Elementary Green Sea | 14.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Whiteville Primary Whiteville | 12.1 mi | 7.7 |
| Long Branch Elementary Lumberton | 14.6 mi | 4.7 |
| Central Middle Whiteville | 12.2 mi | 7.0 |
| North Whiteville Academy Whiteville | 12.2 mi | — |
| Whiteville High Whiteville | 12.4 mi | 5.8 |
| Edgewood Elementary Whiteville | 12.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Fairmont High Fairmont | 14.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Lake View High Lake View | 13.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Bladenboro Middle Bladenboro | 15.7 mi | 4.5 |
| Bladenboro Primary Bladenboro | 15.8 mi | 5.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28430 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,786
Median Home Value
$121,000
Median Rent
$594/mo
Population
1,678
College Educated
10.4%
Homeownership
62.4%
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Median Age
43.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| North Rowan High Spencer, NC | 4.1 |
| Riverside High Williamston, NC | 4.1 |
| Starmount High Boonville, NC | 4.2 |
| Bethany Community School Summerfield, NC | 4.3 |
| Granville Central High Stem, NC | 4.3 |
| SCORE Academy Cary, NC | 4.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Columbus High
What grades does West Columbus High serve?
West Columbus High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend West Columbus High?
West Columbus High has an enrollment of approximately 455 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Columbus High?
The student-teacher ratio at West Columbus High is 16.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Columbus High rank in NC?
West Columbus High ranks #2,328 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is West Columbus High's MySchoolScout rating?
West Columbus High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 West Columbus High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, West Columbus High has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is West Columbus High a charter school?
No, West Columbus High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Columbus High a Title I school?
No, West Columbus High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Columbus High?
99.3% of students at West Columbus 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 455
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Columbus County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 42.0%
- Phone
- (910) 654-6111
- 4-Year Graduation
- 82.0%
Resources & Links
District
Columbus County Schools- District Enrollment
- 5,360
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,006
- District Rank
- #10 of 11
Other Schools in This District
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