For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 855 students in 28697, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28697, NC are Wilkesboro Elementary School and West Wilkes Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 28697 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 28697, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28697, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wilkesboro Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1248 School St
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-4261
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-4261
Gr: PK-5 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
West Wilkes Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1677 North Nc Hwy 16
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 651-4381
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 651-4381
Gr: 6-8 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
28697, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
374 Lincoln Heights Rd
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-3653
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-3653
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 28697, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28697, NC include Wilkesboro Elementary School and West Wilkes Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 28697?
2 public elementary schools are located in 28697.
What is the racial composition of students in 28697?
28697 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?
Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.
When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education
Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.
When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others
Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.