Columbus County Schools had the highest enrollment among Columbus County school districts, welcoming 5,105 students during the 2023-24 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Between the two school districts in Columbus County, Whiteville City Schools had the second highest enrollment numbers, with 1,980 students.
Columbus County Schools roughly covers schools within Columbus County and has a main office in Whiteville.
In the previous school year, Columbus County Schools also had the highest number of students among Columbus County school districts.
Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).
Staffing shortages have also become a growing concern, with teacher turnover rising to 11.5% in the most recent school year. Low salaries and high workloads make it difficult to retain experienced educators, potentially increasing class sizes and affecting learning quality.
| District | City (main office) | Total Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus County Schools | Whiteville | 5,105 |
| Whiteville City Schools | Whiteville | 1,980 |
