For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,448 students in Gates County, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Gates County, NC are Gatesville Elementary School, Gates County Senior High School and T S Cooper Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gates County, 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 41% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Gates County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% 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 Gates County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gatesville Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
709 North Main Street
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0613
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0613
Gr: PK-5 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Gates County Senior High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
088 Hwy 158 West
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0720
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0720
Gr: 9-12 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #33.
T S Cooper Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
237 Nc 32 South
Sunbury, NC 27979
(252) 465-4091
Sunbury, NC 27979
(252) 465-4091
Gr: K-5 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Central Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
362 Us Hwy 158 W
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0470
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0470
Gr: 6-8 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Buckland Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
448 Nc 37 North
Gates, NC 27937
(252) 357-1611
Gates, NC 27937
(252) 357-1611
Gr: K-5 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Gates County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Gates County, NC include Gatesville Elementary School, Gates County Senior High School and T S Cooper Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Gates County?
5 public schools are located in Gates County.
What is the racial composition of students in Gates County?
Gates County public schools minority enrollment is 39% 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 Gates County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Gates County include: Central Middle School vs. Gates County Senior High School, Gatesville Elementary School vs. Buckland Elementary School, T S Cooper Elementary School vs. Buckland Elementary School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.