Serving 188 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 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 188 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Cliffside Elementary School serves the southeast part of Cliffside, NC, covering an area of approximately 30.7 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive to the school of about 10 to 12 minutes, with the furthest distances reaching up to 5.2 miles from the school's location.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cliffside Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Cliffside Elementary School's student population of 188 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
188 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1920
School Calendar
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 0.46, 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
#420 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)70-74%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
17%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
6%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
71%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
7%
Showing 2005–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Eagles
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
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?
188 students attend Cliffside Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Cliffside Elementary School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, and 6% 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 Reviews
5 10/10/2025
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!
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