Serving 289 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Pleasant Gardens Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (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 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 289 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 26%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Pleasant Gardens Elementary serves the northwest part of Marion, NC, covering an area of approximately 47.4 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 10-15 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 7.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School's student population of 289 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
289 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Pleasant Gardens 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 Pleasant Gardens Elementary School is 0.43, 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
#1410 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)50-54%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
16%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
74%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.9%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
Showing 2010–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pleasant Gardens Elementary School's ranking?
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School is ranked #1410 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?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Pleasant Gardens Elementary School?
289 students attend Pleasant Gardens Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Pleasant Gardens Elementary School students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pleasant Gardens Elementary School?
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Pleasant Gardens Elementary School offer ?
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Pleasant Gardens Elementary School part of?
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School is part of Mcdowell County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Great school with caring teachers!
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