For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,270 students in Elm City, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 25 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Elm City, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Elm City, NC are Gardners Elementary School, Elm City Middle School and Coopers Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Elm City, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Elm City have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Elm City, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gardners Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5404 Nc 42 Hwy E
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 399-7920
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 399-7920
Gr: K-5 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #22.
Elm City Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
215 E Church St
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 236-4148
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 236-4148
Gr: 6-8 | 399 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Coopers Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6833 Nc Highway 58
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 937-9035
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 937-9035
Gr: PK-5 | 591 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Elm City, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Elm City, NC include Gardners Elementary School, Elm City Middle School and Coopers Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Elm City?
3 public schools are located in Elm City.
What percentage of students in Elm City go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Elm City are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Elm City?
Elm City public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Elm City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Elm City include: Gardners Elementary School vs. Coopers Elementary School, Coopers Elementary School vs. Gardners Elementary School
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