Photo: Gerry Dincher · CC BY-SA 2.0Pittsboro’s public schools outscore 68% of North Carolina districts
On the state math tests, 59% of Pittsboro’s students scored proficient, above the North Carolina average (51%). The grade covers the public school district serving Pittsboro, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within North Carolina, not nationally.
From North Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Pittsboro’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 264 North Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Pittsboro’s, its schools beat 82%, higher than their 68% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 57% and math 59% in spring 2022, against 50% and 51% statewide; 89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,187 per student, against $13,045 across North Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 5 the district’s path is George M. Horton Middle, then Northwood High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Thales Academy Pittsboro (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Pittsboro’s grade
B+: better than 68% of North Carolina school districts, #51 of 290 North Carolina towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the North Carolina average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Pittsboro, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Pittsboro
Pittsboro Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 503 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Pittsboro
Pittsboro Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 503 students · 13:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Pittsboro
Pittsboro Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 503 students · 13:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Pittsboro
Pittsboro Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 503 students · 13:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Pittsboro
Pittsboro Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 503 students · 13:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Pittsboro
George M. Horton Middle
Grades 5–8 · 414 students · 15:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Pittsboro
George M. Horton Middle
Grades 5–8 · 414 students · 15:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Pittsboro
George M. Horton Middle
Grades 5–8 · 414 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Pittsboro
George M. Horton Middle
Grades 5–8 · 414 students · 15:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Pittsboro
Northwood High
Grades 9–12 · 634 students · 13:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Pittsboro
Northwood High
Grades 9–12 · 634 students · 13:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Pittsboro
Northwood High
Grades 9–12 · 634 students · 13:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Pittsboro
Northwood High
Grades 9–12 · 634 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Pittsboro’s public schools are run by Chatham County Schools, which also serves Goldston and Siler City. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Pittsboro vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the North Carolina towns that share Pittsboro’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsboro | B+ | Chatham County Schools |
Every school in Pittsboro
4 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with North Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Pittsboro’s schools
Are Pittsboro’s schools good?
By North Carolina’s own tests, yes: the public schools Pittsboro children attend outscore 68% of North Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #51 of 290 North Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 82%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Pittsboro in?
Chatham County Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 8,987 students in 21 schools (2024–25).
Where do Pittsboro kids go to high school?
Northwood High, with 634 students; its own test results earn an A.
What is Pittsboro’s graduation rate?
89% of the class of 2023 in Chatham County Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina.
How much does Pittsboro spend per student?
$14,187 in Chatham County Schools (FY2024), against $13,045 across North Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Pittsboro?
Yes: Thales Academy Pittsboro (nonsectarian, grades PK–7, 274 students).
Parents talk
What Pittsboro families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Pittsboro → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within North Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.