Serving 442 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Bethesda 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 33% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 442 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bethesda Elementary serves the southern part of Durham, NC, covering an area of approximately 27.5 square miles. Families within the zone typically have a drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 5.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bethesda Elementary School's student population of 442 students has declined by 32% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
442 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
School Rankings
Bethesda 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 Bethesda Elementary School is 0.62, 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
#2296 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)33%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
39%
22%
Black
47%
24%
White
7%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)73.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bethesda Elementary School's ranking?
Bethesda Elementary School is ranked #2296 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Bethesda Elementary School often compared to?
Bethesda Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like C E Jordan High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Bethesda Elementary School?
442 students attend Bethesda Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Bethesda Elementary School students are Black, 39% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bethesda Elementary School?
Bethesda Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Bethesda Elementary School offer ?
Bethesda Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Bethesda Elementary School part of?
Bethesda Elementary School is part of Durham School District.
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