Serving 460 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Ray Childers 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 52% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (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 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 460 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Ray Childers Elementary serves the eastern part of Hickory, NC, covering an area of approximately 14.6 square miles, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive and an average distance of 2.4 miles from the school to the edge of the zone. The furthest edge of the attendance area is about 4.1 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ray Childers Elementary School's student population of 460 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
460 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ray Childers 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 Ray Childers Elementary School is 0.53, 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
#1361 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)52%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
13%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
13%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
White
66%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.4%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
4%
3%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 24-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 Ray Childers Elementary School's ranking?
Ray Childers Elementary School is ranked #1361 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?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Ray Childers Elementary School?
460 students attend Ray Childers Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Ray Childers Elementary School students are White, 13% of students are Asian, 13% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ray Childers Elementary School?
Ray Childers Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Ray Childers Elementary School offer ?
Ray Childers Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ray Childers Elementary School part of?
Ray Childers Elementary School is part of Burke County Schools.
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