Who we are
Our Community
Pitt County continues to grow, with the 2020 census reporting 170,242 residents. The 2025 estimate projects nearly 183,000 residents, representing a 7.5% population increase. As the 13th largest school district among North Carolina’s 115 districts, Pitt County Schools serves a community where approximately 87% of students attend public schools. The district is also one of the top ten fastest‑growing in the state.
Public education is the foundation of a thriving local economy. When our schools succeed, our community prospers.
District Overview
Pitt County Schools is a Pre‑K–12 district serving nearly 24,000 students across 39 schools:
- 16 elementary schools (K–5)
- 6 K–8 schools
- 7 middle schools (6–8)
- 6 traditional high schools (9–12)
- 2 Early College high schools
Sadie Saulter Pre‑K Center serves as the district’s Pre‑K hub, with additional Pre‑K classrooms located on multiple campuses and in several day care centers. Pitt Academy and Pitt County Virtual Academy (grades 4–12) also support student learning.
District Highlights
2024–2025 Student Success
- 85.5% four‑year graduation rate (highest since 2017)
- 88.9% of schools met or exceeded growth (vs. 71% statewide)
- PCS outperformed the state in 14 of 21 subgroups
Programs & Innovation
- Over $47,000 awarded in IMPACT & INNOVATION Grants
- 3 Dual Language Immersion Schools
- 13+ hands‑on STEM labs
- 1 Cognia National School of Distinction
- 5 NC STEM Schools of Distinction
- Career Technical Education, Health Sciences Academy, Pitt Technical Academy, and Tradesformers
- International Baccalaureate and International Teacher Programs (over 100 international teachers serve in the district)
PCS Mission
Pitt County Schools will lead collaboration between school, home, and community to foster student growth and success—both socially and academically—in order to develop productive, global citizens.
PCS School Choice
School Lottery
The PCS school lottery allows families to request enrollment at schools with extremely limited capacity, including those outside the base attendance zone. The application window opens annually on March 1 and closes March 15.
School Reassignment
Families may request reassignment for the following reasons:
- Open enrollment from the approved PCS Board of Education Open Enrollment list
- Sibling enrolled at a non‑open enrollment school, including district‑placed exceptional children’s classrooms
- Parent/guardian is a full‑time PCS employee (applies only to schools within the attendance feeder pattern where the parent/guardian works)
- Hardship or special circumstances
- Curriculum availability