Summary:
In zip code 27531, there is exactly one high school option: Wayne School of Technical Arts, a small school in Goldsboro, NC, serving grades 6 through 12 within the Wayne County Public Schools district.
Wayne School of Technical Arts is a standout in nearly every academic category. Despite nearly 98% of its 271 students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the school earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks in the top 15% of North Carolina high schools. Its test scores are dramatically above district and state averages across all subjects. For example, 7th grade math proficiency is 97.9% compared to 50.1% in the district and 56.2% statewide. Eighth grade reading is at 97.5% versus just over half in the district and state, while 8th grade science reached 100% proficiency. High school end-of-course exams are also strong: English II and Math III are both above 92%, and Biology is at 84.2% — still far above the district’s 61% and the state’s 58.5%.
The school sees the most striking results in its middle grades, but also maintains a low chronic absenteeism rate of 19.9% — well below the district’s 31.6% and the state’s 24.2%. That consistent attendance likely supports its success. Year-to-year changes are mixed and likely reflect small class sizes, such as 8th grade math jumping from 71.4% to 95.0% while 6th grade math dipped from 93.9% to 84.4% — still an excellent result. With a 23.7-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a specialized technical arts focus, this school proves that a high-poverty, small learning environment can achieve exceptional outcomes and is an excellent choice for families in the 27531 area.
Thank you for your feedback!