- Old Dock Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 265 students
- Chadbourn Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 233 students
- Nakina Middle — Grades 5–8 · 194 students
- South Columbus High — Grades 9–12 · 669 students
- West Columbus High — Grades 9–12 · 459 students
- Columbus Career and College Academy — Grades 9 · 230 students
- West Columbus School — Grades PK–8 · 814 students
- Williams Township — Grades PK–8 · 659 students
- Tabor City School — Grades PK–8 · 598 students
- East Columbus Junior-Senior High — Grades 7–12 · 576 students
- Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary — Grades PK–6 · 394 students
- Acme Delco Elementary — Grades PK–6 · 349 students
with district
| Metric | Columbus County Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 17 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,300/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Columbus County Schools
Columbus County Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 28436 in Columbus, North Carolina. Serving students from Pre-K – 13, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 28436. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Columbus County Schools spends approximately $10,300 per student per year, placing it near the North Carolina state average of approximately $10,500 and below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At multiple schools serving grades Pre-K – 13, Columbus County Schools qualifies as a district of unknown size serving students from Pre-K – 13. Contact Columbus County Schools to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Columbus County Schools ranks among North Carolina’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because North Carolina is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Columbus County Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical North Carolina benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 28436
Children in zip code 28436 are assigned to Columbus County Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 13. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 28436, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Columbus County Schools at (910)642-5168 or visit www.columbus.k12.nc.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — North Carolina districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Columbus
For families considering a purchase in the Columbus area, district assignment matters financially. Because Columbus County Schools serves zip code 28436, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 28436. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In North Carolina, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Columbus County Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 28436.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Columbus County Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 28436 data.