Serving 1,010 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Polenta Elementary School ranks in the top 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 55% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (which is higher 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 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 1,010 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Polenta Elementary serves the northwest part of Garner, NC, covering an area of approximately 29 square miles. Most families live within a 5 to 10-minute drive, with an average distance of about 3.2 miles to the school, while the furthest edge of the attendance zone is 5.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Polenta Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Polenta Elementary School's student population of 1,010 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,010 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Polenta Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Polenta Elementary School is 0.66, 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
#1062 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)55%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
28%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Black
18%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
White
48%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-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 24-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 22-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 Polenta Elementary School's ranking?
Polenta Elementary School is ranked #1062 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Polenta Elementary School?
1,010 students attend Polenta Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Polenta Elementary School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Polenta Elementary School?
Polenta Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Polenta Elementary School offer ?
Polenta Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Polenta Elementary School part of?
Polenta Elementary School is part of Johnston County School District.
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