For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 7,010 students in New Bern, NC (there are , serving 1,144 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in New Bern, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in New Bern, NC are Craven Early College High School, Albert H Bangert Elementary School and Creekside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
New Bern, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in New Bern have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in New Bern, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Craven Early College High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
800 College Court
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 637-5706
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 637-5706
Grades: 9-13
| 183 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Albert H Bangert Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3712 Canterbury Road
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6415
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6415
Grades: K-5
| 456 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Creekside Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2790 Landscape Drive
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-4360
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-4360
Grades: K-5
| 512 students
Rank: #44.
Grover C Fields Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2000 M L King Jr Boulevard
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6438
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6438
Grades: 6-8
| 552 students
Rank: #55.
Brinson Memorial Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
319 Neuse Forest Avenue
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6431
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6431
Grades: K-5
| 453 students
Rank: #66.
Craven Virtual Academy
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1319 Commerce Dr
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 497-2250
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 497-2250
Grades: 4-12
| 134 students
Rank: #77.
Trent Park Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2500 Educational Drive
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6481
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6481
Grades: K-5
| 360 students
Rank: #88.
New Bern High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4200 Academic Drive
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6400
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6400
Grades: 9-12
| 1,632 students
Rank: #99.
Ben D Quinn Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4275 M L King Jr Boulevard
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6420
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6420
Grades: K-5
| 347 students
Rank: #1010.
H J Macdonald Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3127 Elizabeth Avenue
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6450
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6450
Grades: 6-8
| 695 students
Rank: #1111.
Bridgeton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
230 Branch Canal Road
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6425
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6425
Grades: PK-5
| 428 students
Rank: #1212.
West Craven Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
515 Nw Craven Mid School Road
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6488
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 514-6488
Grades: 6-8
| 645 students
Rank: #1313.
J T Barber Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1700 Cobb Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6460
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6460
Grades: PK-5
| 246 students
Rank: #1414.
Oaks Road Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2811 Oaks Road
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6475
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6475
Grades: PK-5
| 367 students
Rank: n/an/a
Riverside Leadership Academy
Charter School
1955 Old Airport Rd
New Bern, NC 28562
(919) 807-3300
New Bern, NC 28562
(919) 807-3300
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in New Bern, NC?
The top ranked public schools in New Bern, NC include Craven Early College High School, Albert H Bangert Elementary School and Creekside Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in New Bern?
15 public schools are located in New Bern.
What percentage of students in New Bern go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in New Bern are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in New Bern?
New Bern public schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in New Bern are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in New Bern include: Oaks Road Academy vs. J T Barber Elementary School, Grover C Fields Middle School vs. H J Macdonald Middle School, H J Macdonald Middle School vs. Grover C Fields Middle School
Recent Articles
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.
