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 (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 376 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James Love Elementary serves the southern part of Shelby, NC, covering an area of approximately 5.6 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest zone edge located about 3.2 miles away.
- 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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
376 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1020 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60-64%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Black
53%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
White
24%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.1%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
5%
5%
Showing 2007–2016. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
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
Review James Love Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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