James Love Elementary School

309 James Love Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(School attendance zone shown in map)
7/
10
Top 50%
Serving 376 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, James Love Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (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 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 376 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 76%
  • : Top 50% in NC
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

School Overview

James Love Elementary School's student population of 376 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
376 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

James Love Elementary School 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 James Love Elementary School is 0.64, 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.
This School
State Level (NC)
#1020 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(21-22)
60-64%
51%
45-49%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
15%
22%
Black
53%
24%
White
24%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.64
(22-23)
27.1%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is James Love Elementary School's ranking?
James Love Elementary School is ranked #1020 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are James Love Elementary School often compared to?
James Love Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jefferson Elementary School, Boiling Springs Elementary School, Springmore Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% 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 James Love Elementary School?
376 students attend James Love Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of James Love Elementary School students are Black, 24% of students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Love Elementary School?
James Love Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does James Love Elementary School offer ?
James Love Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Love Elementary School part of?
James Love Elementary School is part of Cleveland County Schools.

School Reviews

5   10/10/2025
I was a student around 1972 and I was looking for info for 2 of my favorite teachers, their names (only remember their last names! 1. Mrs McDaniels and Ms. LEE. I would really any information. OR IF Could mail information by mail. BARBARA LAWSON 1559 Stableview Drive, Gastonia, N.C.28056-1658. Thanks, Barbara Lawson
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Barba

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 376 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 76%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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