Serving 392 students in grades 3-5, Bessemer City Central Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 3-5
- Enrollment: 392 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bessemer City Central Elementary serves the west part of Bessemer City, NC, covering an area of approximately 28.3 square miles. Most families live within a typical driving distance of 5 to 10 minutes from the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 5.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bessemer City Central Elementary School's student population of 392 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
392 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
School Rankings
Bessemer City Central Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bessemer City Central Elementary School is 0.71, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2279 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)29%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
25%
22%
Black
24%
24%
White
41%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bessemer City Central Elementary School's ranking?
Bessemer City Central Elementary School is ranked #2279 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Bessemer City Central Elementary School often compared to?
Bessemer City Central Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bessemer City Primary, Tryon Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Bessemer City Central Elementary School?
392 students attend Bessemer City Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Bessemer City Central Elementary School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Black, and 10% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bessemer City Central Elementary School?
Bessemer City Central Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Bessemer City Central Elementary School offer ?
Bessemer City Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Bessemer City Central Elementary School part of?
Bessemer City Central Elementary School is part of Gaston County Schools.
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