School Profile
Located on the coast of North Carolina, Onslow County encompasses a total area of 909 square miles (767 square miles of land and 142 square miles of water). The transient student population of Onslow County Schools is a direct result of the large military community served by our system. Approximately 10,400 students enrolled in Onslow County Schools have a military connection either through uniform services or civil service positions. The military influence impacting our transient student and staff population includes Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the largest amphibious military base in the world, Marine Corps Air Station New River and the newly opened MARSOC located at Stone Bay on Camp Lejeune. During the school year, an estimated one- third of the students (military and non-military connected) move into or out of Onslow County Schools or between schools within the district.
The population of Onslow County is approximately 187,589 citizens with 76,054 housing units and a home ownership rate of 54.8%. The racial composition of the County is predominately white at 66.9%, with approximately 15.8% African American, 12.1% Hispanic, .9% Native American, 2.2% Asian, .3% Pacific Islander, and 1.8.% from other races. In comparison, White Oak High School’s student racial composition is as follows: 57.7% white; 22% African American; 10% Hispanic; 1.2% Asian/Pacific Islander, .4% Native American, and 8.3% Multi-Racial. In considering Socio-Economic Status in Onslow County, the median income for a household is $45,812. The per capita income for the county is $21,455 with 15.2% of the general population living below the poverty line.
Although Jacksonville is a suburban city, the White Oak area school community is reminiscent of its rural and agricultural past. However, this is quickly changing to reflect the switch in our economy from one that is agrarian to one that is focused on more service-oriented careers. White Oak High School has many strong ties to local civic organizations, churches, and other community agencies. In addition, the White Oak High community, to include parents and business partners, has great expectations for White Oak High School. The school has a reputation for providing a structured, safe environment that encourageslearning. We partner with local business through job shadowing and through many senior projects.
The White Oak District Schools, to include Hunters Creek Elementary School, Morton Elementary School, Silverdale Elementary School, Hunters Creek Middle School, and White Oak High School have built a strong tradition of articulation from kindergarten through 12th grade. The administration and faculties of the schools in this district have worked very hard to articulate essential thinking and educational strategies as well as maintaining open lines of communication to aid our students in their transition from elementary to secondary school.
White Oak High School was opened in 1970 and was built to house 550 students. Since that time, the school’s population has grown as high as 1,205 students and currently serves 1,057 students. The school has experienced several classroom additions to accommodate the student growth. The recent addition of a new auditorium has provided increased opportunities for school events and has given the community an appropriate space to bring events that benefit our students as well as the local community. This addition also included two Art classrooms, two Technology Labs, and a Professional Development Room to provide space for teacher growth opportunities. In addition, the school continues to utilize three temporary buildings to accommodate growth.
White Oak High School is one of 38 public schools in Onslow County. The school year is 180 days in length divided by two semesters of 90 days each. In addition to the curricular program, White Oak High School offers a variety of athletic teams, clubs, and academic extra-curricularactivities. White Oak High School currently has a total student body of 1,057 students with an equal distribution ratio of male to female students. The student body is diverse and has remained constant over that past several years. There are 268 freshman, 276 sophomores, 267 juniors and 246 senior students enrolled. The administrative staff includes one principal and two assistant principals.
The faculty and staff of White Oak High School are diverse as well. Although not totally reflective of the student body, maintaining a diverse staff is of major importance to our school. The teaching staff consists of 62 Teachers, 11 Teacher Assistants, one Media & Instructional Technology Facilitator, One Testing Coordinator, one Career Development Facilitator, three School Counselors, one Receptionist/Driver’s Education Coordinator, one Secretary Treasurer, and one Data Manager. Of the 62 certified staff members, twelve are Nationally Board Certified. The school strives to employ highly qualified teachers for all courses. About 93.5% of our teachers are highly qualified. 25.8% of our teachers have advanced degrees. In terms of professional experience, 22.6% of teachers have less than three years of experience, 22.6% have between four and ten years and 54.8% have greater than ten years’ experience. White Oak High School is committed to high expectations for all students, teachers, and staff members. The faculty and staff work diligently to ensure that all students reach or exceed their potential while on this campus. It is our goal that all students graduate in four years or less and leave high school ready for the choices that they will make as they move into adulthood.