Serving 218 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Southwood 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 30-34% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 218 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southwood Elementary serves the southeast part of Kinston, NC, covering an area of approximately 53.6 square miles. Most students live within a typical 10-12 minute drive, with an average distance of 4.2 miles to the school and the furthest edge being about 7.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwood Elementary School's student population of 218 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
218 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1926
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwood 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 Southwood Elementary School is 0.55, 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
#2163 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)30-34%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
16%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
64%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
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)29.8%
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 (13-14)
9%
7%
Showing 2005–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Yellow and blue
School Mascot
Yellow Jacket
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwood Elementary School's ranking?
Southwood Elementary School is ranked #2163 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?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Southwood Elementary School?
218 students attend Southwood Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Southwood Elementary School students are White, 16% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwood Elementary School?
Southwood Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southwood Elementary School offer ?
Southwood Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwood Elementary School part of?
Southwood Elementary School is part of Lenoir County School District.
School Reviews
Review Southwood 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 a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
