Serving 887 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Pleasant Ridge 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 42% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (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 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 887 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Pleasant Ridge Elementary serves the southwest part of Gastonia, NC, covering an area of approximately 2.1 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest point being about 1.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School's student population of 887 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
887 students
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
School Rankings
Pleasant Ridge 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 Ridge Elementary School is 0.69, 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
#1856 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)42%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
32%
22%
Black
43%
24%
White
17%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pleasant Ridge Elementary School's ranking?
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School is ranked #1856 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?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Pleasant Ridge Elementary School?
887 students attend Pleasant Ridge Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School students are Black, 32% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School?
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Pleasant Ridge Elementary School offer ?
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Pleasant Ridge Elementary School part of?
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School is part of Gaston County Schools.
School Reviews
Review Pleasant Ridge 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
