Serving 144 students in grades Prekindergarten-2, Gouge Primary ranks in the top 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 55-59% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-2
- Enrollment: 144 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 6%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Gouge Elementary serves the entire district of Bakersville, NC, covering approximately 221.9 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 15.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Gouge Primary's student population of 144 students has declined by 35% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 40% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-2
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
144 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Gouge Primary ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Gouge Primary is 0.11, 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
#1115 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)55-59%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
5%
22%
Black
n/a
24%
White
94%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)59%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
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 Gouge Primary's ranking?
Gouge Primary is ranked #1115 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Gouge Primary?
144 students attend Gouge Primary.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Gouge Primary students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gouge Primary?
Gouge Primary has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Gouge Primary offer ?
Gouge Primary offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-2 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Gouge Primary part of?
Gouge Primary is part of Mitchell County Schools.
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