Serving 421 students in grades Kindergarten-5, First Ward Creative Arts Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 53% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 421 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 53% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Dilworth Elementary serves the southern part of Charlotte, NC, covering an area of approximately 5.1 square miles, with most students living within a typical 5-10 minute drive from the school. The furthest point in the attendance zone is about 3.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
First Ward Creative Arts Academy's student population of 421 students has declined by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 32% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
421 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence without Exception
School Rankings
First Ward Creative Arts Academy 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 First Ward Creative Arts Academy is 0.40, 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
#1465 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)53%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
13%
22%
Black
76%
24%
White
3%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is First Ward Creative Arts Academy's ranking?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy is ranked #1465 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?
53% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend First Ward Creative Arts Academy?
421 students attend First Ward Creative Arts Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of First Ward Creative Arts Academy students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of First Ward Creative Arts Academy?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does First Ward Creative Arts Academy offer ?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is First Ward Creative Arts Academy part of?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
In what neighborhood is First Ward Creative Arts Academy located?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy is located in the Charlotte center city neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 2 other public schools located in Charlotte center city.
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