According to the Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 6:30 a.m. on New Light Road of N.C. 98.
The bus carrying 35 students, was traveling to Wakefield High School when it was struck by a car driven by 42-year-old Melody Parsons. She is charged with DWI and careless and reckless driving.
Troopers said Parsons' car was traveling about 65 mph in a 45-mph zone when it crossed the center line and struck the bus, then veered off the road and crashed into a tree.
Seven students were transported to the hospital as a precaution, but none of them sustained serious injuries. Parsons also was hospitalized. She was listed in good condition.
A second school bus was called to the scene to transport students to school who were not taken to the hospital.