Best Gates County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 993 students in Gates County, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Gates County, NC are Gatesville Elementary School, T S Cooper Elementary School and Central Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gates County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Gates County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Gates County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gatesville Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
709 North Main Street
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0613
Gr: PK-5 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
T S Cooper Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
237 Nc 32 South
Sunbury, NC 27979
(252) 465-4091
Gr: K-5 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
Central Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
362 Us Hwy 158 W
Gatesville, NC 27938
(252) 357-0470
Gr: 6-8 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Buckland Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
448 Nc 37 North
Gates, NC 27937
(252) 357-1611
Gr: K-5 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 40%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Gates County, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Gates County, NC include Gatesville Elementary School, T S Cooper Elementary School and Central Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Gates County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Gates County.
What is the racial composition of students in Gates County?
Gates County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Gates County are often viewed compared to one another?

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