Schools in Zip Code 27962

ZIP code 27962 in Plymouth, NC, has just two schools—Washington County Elementary School (PK–5) and Washington County High (grades 6–12)—both part of Washington County Schools, making this a very small district where one combined school serves all middle and high school students. The elementary school is the stronger of the two, but it has declined sharply from the 41st percentile two years ago to the 10th percentile today. The high school has stayed in the bottom 7 percent of North Carolina high schools for three straight years, and the district as a whole ranks near the bottom 20 percent of all districts in the state.

Both schools face extreme challenges: about 99% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and chronic absenteeism is roughly double the state average—44.5% at the high school and 41.8% at the elementary school. Academic proficiency is low across nearly every subject, but the high school has the largest gaps, especially in Biology (15.7% proficient vs. 58.5% statewide), Math III (32.4% vs. 68.9%), and middle-school math, where only about a quarter of 7th and 8th graders are proficient. English II is this school’s strongest tested area at 40.6%, yet that is still 24 points below the state average. The graduation rate is 79.7%, compared with 88.8% statewide, meaning about one in five students does not graduate on time.

There are some notable bright spots: Washington County Elementary improved 3rd grade reading from 21.2% to 44.4% proficiency in one year, and Washington County High posted significant gains in 6th grade reading, English II, 8th grade science, and Biology. However, these improvements often start from very low levels, and absolute scores still trail state averages by large margins in nearly every subject. Per-student spending at the high school is higher ($16,949 vs. $12,588 at the elementary school), but outcomes there remain the weakest. For parents, the main takeaway is that both schools are working under severe economic and attendance pressures, with no high-performing standout school in this ZIP code; instead, families should look for specific classrooms and programs showing gradual progress.