Cliffside Elementary School

4016 Us Hwy 221-a
Cliffside, NC 28024
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
Serving 196 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Cliffside Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher 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 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 196 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 25%
  • : Top 20% in NC
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 80-89% (Top 10%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

School Overview

Cliffside Elementary School's student population of 196 students has declined by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
196 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers

School Rankings

Cliffside Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cliffside Elementary School is 0.41, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NC)
#420 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
70-74%
51%
60-64%
50%
80-89%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
14%
21%
Black
8%
25%
White
75%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.41
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
7%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cliffside Elementary School's ranking?
Cliffside Elementary School is ranked #420 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Cliffside Elementary School often compared to?
Cliffside Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Forest City-dunbar Elementary School, Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Cliffside Elementary School?
196 students attend Cliffside Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Cliffside Elementary School students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Cliffside Elementary School?
Cliffside Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Cliffside Elementary School offer ?
Cliffside Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cliffside Elementary School part of?
Cliffside Elementary School is part of Rutherford County Schools School District.

School Reviews

5   1/27/2021
This school is so fun, and they taught us a lot. I am in 9th grade and I am taking Honors Reading 1 and Honors Math 2. I am taking French 1. I loved going to Cliffside and I wish that I could go back!
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Madison HR

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 196 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 25%
  • : Top 20%
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 80-89% (Top 10%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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