Elizabeth City has a strong public school system, a variety of private schools and several colleges from which to choose. The city has a long history of exceptional education; the state's first public school was opened in Pasquotank County in 1705.

Elizabeth City Public Schools

Elizabeth City Pasquotank Public Schools are overseen by the Pasquotank County Board of Education, whose goal is to prepare students to be responsible citizens and workers. The seven elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools have an enrollment of more than 6,000 students.

The school system is supported by The Education Foundation of Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools, which is a non-profit organization that raises money to offer programs that enhance students' learning experiences.

Private and Parochial Schools

In addition to excellent public education options, Elizabeth City also has several private school options.

Albermarle School, which accommodates students from preschool through 12th grade, strives to create a caring, safe and family-friendly environment where all students experience academic success through collaborative learning programs.

Foreshadow Academy was established in 2008 and offers a comprehensive curriculum for sixth through 12th grade students with an emphasis on literature. Students are taught in small groups rather than in the traditional classroom setting, allowing for customized curriculum and individual instruction.

Elizabeth City's parochial schools are Victory Christian School and Cathedral Christian Academy.

Higher Education

Elizabeth City State University, a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, offers baccalaureate, graduate and professional programs in areas of study including sciences, technology, humanities, education and the arts. The school is known for its programs in aviation and pharmacy. In 2010, the college ranked second among Top Public Baccalaureate Colleges in the South and 11th among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report.

Another option for higher education in Elizabeth City is Mid-Atlantic Christian University, formerly known as Roanoke Bible College. It is located along the Pasquotank River, north of downtown Elizabeth City, and was founded in 1948. Mid-Atlantic offers students four-year and two-year programs with a biblical emphasis and a variety of professional options.

The College of the Albemarle is known as the first community college to be established under the (North Carolina) Community College Act of 1960. For 50 years, the College of the Albemarle has provided educational and workforce development opportunities for the northeast region of North Carolina.

All three colleges have agreements allowing students to dual-enroll in one of the other two institutions.

Public Schools
Number of schools: 12
Number of students: 6,332
Number of teachers: 222
Student:Teacher ratio: 28.47:1

Private Schools
Number of schools: 3
Number of students: 447
Number of teachers: 33
Student:Teacher ratio: 13.55:1

Mid-Atlantic Christian University Stats
Student:Faculty ratio: 14:1
Average class size: 15
Percentage of faculty with Ph.D. or equivalent: 80%