Dare County Schools: First Flight High School welcomed most students in 2023-24 school year

First Flight High School had the highest enrollment among Dare County schools, welcoming 897 students during the 2023-24 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Among the 10 schools in Dare County, First Flight Middle School ranked second in enrollment numbers with 615 students, while Manteo Elementary School welcomed 614 students and ranked third in the 2023-24 school year.

First Flight High School is part of Dare County Schools district, which roughly covers institutions within Dare County and has a main office in Nags Head.

In the previous school year, First Flight High School also had the highest number of students among Dare County schools.

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.