Top Rankings
Polk County Schools School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 20%)
Student Attention
Lowest student:teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2024 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,129 students in Polk County Schools School District. This district's average testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
Public Schools in Polk County Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 55% (majority Black).
Overview
2021-2022 School Year Data
This School District
This State (NC)
# Schools
7 Schools
2,752 Schools
# Students
2,129 Students
1,524,291 Students
# Teachers
176 Teachers
100,983 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
District Rank
Polk County Schools School District, which is ranked within the top 20% of all 319 school districts in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2020-2021 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 90-94% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#54 out of 321 school districts
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
47%
Graduation Rate
90-94%
85%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.41
0.70
# American Indian Students
n/a
17,561 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
12 Students
58,380 Students
% Asian Students
1%
4%
# Hispanic Students
279 Students
302,316 Students
% Hispanic Students
13%
20%
# Black Students
116 Students
380,019 Students
% Black Students
5%
25%
# White Students
1,614 Students
684,977 Students
% White Students
76%
45%
# Hawaiian Students
2 Students
2,197 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
106 Students
79,811 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
5%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
101
21,304
# Students in K Grade:
156
112,495
# Students in 1st Grade:
134
108,688
# Students in 2nd Grade:
167
111,859
# Students in 3rd Grade:
147
112,431
# Students in 4th Grade:
161
113,015
# Students in 5th Grade:
136
113,863
# Students in 6th Grade:
157
116,205
# Students in 7th Grade:
163
121,315
# Students in 8th Grade:
177
123,350
# Students in 9th Grade:
175
142,947
# Students in 10th Grade:
158
119,163
# Students in 11th Grade:
150
110,398
# Students in 12th Grade:
147
97,258
# Ungraded Students:
-
-
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $13,708 is higher than the state median of $11,354. The school district revenue/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $13,351 is higher than the state median of $11,785. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$29 MM
$17,307 MM
Spending
$28 MM
$17,964 MM
Revenue / Student
$13,708
$11,354
Spending / Student
$13,351
$11,785
Best Polk County Schools School District Public Schools (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Saluda Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
214 E Main Street
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Grades: PK-5
| 152 students
Rank: #22.
Polk County High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1681 East Nc 108 Hwy
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2525
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2525
Grades: 9-12
| 570 students
Rank: #33.
Polk Central Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2141 South Nc9 Hwy
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-8233
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-8233
Grades: PK-5
| 341 students
Rank: #44.
Tryon Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 School Place
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6584
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6584
Grades: PK-5
| 386 students
Rank: #55.
Polk County Early College
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1545 East Nc 108 Hwy
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2698
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2698
Grades: 9-12
| 60 students
Rank: #66.
Polk County Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
321 Wolverine Trail
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-2215
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-2215
Grades: 6-8
| 497 students
Rank: #77.
Sunny View Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
86 Sunny View School Road
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-1050
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-1050
Grades: PK-5
| 123 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Polk County Schools School District?
Polk County Schools School District manages 7 public schools serving 2,129 students.
What is the rank of Polk County Schools School District?
Polk County Schools School District is ranked #54 out of 319 school districts in North Carolina (top 20%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2020-2021 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of North Carolina school districts for: Highest overall rank (Top 20%), Highest math proficiency (Top 20%), Highest graduation rate (Top 20%) and Lowest student:teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County Schools School District?
76% of Polk County Schools School District students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Polk County Schools School District?
Polk County Schools School District has a student/teacher ratio of 12:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What is Polk County Schools School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $13,351 is higher than the state median of $11,785. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
Recent Articles
How “Collaborative Reasoning” Could Be the Next Public School Trend
Collaborative reasoning, which encourages independent critical thinking, is growing in popularity amongst public schools. Learn about collaborative reasoning and how it benefits public school classrooms.
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
This comprehensive article explores the complex nature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, providing insights into its symptoms, diagnosis process, and effective support strategies. From recognizing early signs to navigating the diagnostic journey, parents will gain valuable knowledge to help their child thrive. Expert insights, real-life examples, and practical tips empower readers to create a supportive environment that meets the unique needs of children with ADHD.
March 04, 2024
Teaching in Contemporary TimesWe explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.
