Serving 468 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Penderlea 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 43% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 468 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 50%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Penderlea Elementary serves the northwest part of Willard, NC, covering an area of approximately 133.6 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a drive of 10 to 15 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 15.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Penderlea Elementary School's student population of 468 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
468 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Penderlea 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 Penderlea Elementary School is 0.67, 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
#1718 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)43%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
23%
22%
Black
18%
24%
White
50%
42%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Hornets
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penderlea Elementary School's ranking?
Penderlea Elementary School is ranked #1718 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Penderlea Elementary School often compared to?
Penderlea Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Wallace Elementary School, Pender High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Penderlea Elementary School?
468 students attend Penderlea Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Penderlea Elementary School students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penderlea Elementary School?
Penderlea Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Penderlea Elementary School offer ?
Penderlea Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penderlea Elementary School part of?
Penderlea Elementary School is part of Pender County Schools.
School Reviews
Review Penderlea Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.
