Serving 430 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Costner 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 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (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 35% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 430 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Costner Elementary serves the northwest part of Dallas, NC, covering an area of approximately 22.3 square miles. Families within this zone can typically reach the school in about 5 to 10 minutes, with an average distance of 3.1 miles to the nearest boundary and a maximum distance of 6 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Costner Elementary School's student population of 430 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
430 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Costner 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 Costner Elementary School is 0.54, 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
#1503 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)48%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
15%
22%
Black
15%
24%
White
65%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costner Elementary School's ranking?
Costner Elementary School is ranked #1503 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Costner Elementary School?
430 students attend Costner Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Costner Elementary School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Costner Elementary School?
Costner Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Costner Elementary School offer ?
Costner Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Costner Elementary School part of?
Costner Elementary School is part of Gaston County Schools.
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