Serving 325 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, James W Smith 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 45-49% (which is lower 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 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% 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: 325 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James W Smith Elementary serves the northwest part of Cove City, NC, covering an area of approximately 182.7 square miles. Families within this attendance zone can typically expect a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located about 13 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
James W Smith Elementary School's student population of 325 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
325 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2005
School Calendar
School Rankings
James W Smith 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 James W Smith Elementary School is 0.70, 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
#1377 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)45-49%
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 ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
18%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
35%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
38%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (18-19)
6%
4%
Showing 2010–2019. Full 21-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 W Smith Elementary School's ranking?
James W Smith Elementary School is ranked #1377 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are James W Smith Elementary School often compared to?
James W Smith Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like J.t. Barber Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% 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 W Smith Elementary School?
325 students attend James W Smith Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of James W Smith Elementary School students are White, 35% of students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, and 9% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James W Smith Elementary School?
James W Smith Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does James W Smith Elementary School offer ?
James W Smith Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James W Smith Elementary School part of?
James W Smith Elementary School is part of Craven County Board Of Education School District.
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