Serving 504 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Northwest 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 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 504 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwest Elementary serves the northeast part of Kinston, NC, encompassing an area of approximately 5.5 square miles, with most families living within a 5 to 10-minute drive and an average distance of 1.5 miles to the school's edge. The furthest point in the attendance zone is about 2.1 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Northwest Elementary School's student population of 504 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
504 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Motto
Helping Dreams Soar.
School Rankings
Northwest 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 Northwest Elementary School is 0.44, 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
#1636 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)48%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Asian
4%
5%
Hispanic
8%
22%
Black
74%
24%
White
7%
42%
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwest Elementary School's ranking?
Northwest Elementary School is ranked #1636 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Northwest Elementary School?
504 students attend Northwest Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Northwest Elementary School students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwest Elementary School?
Northwest Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Northwest Elementary School offer ?
Northwest Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest Elementary School part of?
Northwest Elementary School is part of Lenoir County School District.
School Reviews
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