Serving 674 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, W A Bess Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 674 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: W A Bess Elementary School serves the southeast part of Gastonia, NC, covering an area of approximately 19.5 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being about 2.7 miles and the furthest point reaching 5.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
W A Bess Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
W A Bess Elementary School's student population of 674 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
674 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
W A Bess Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of W A Bess Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#649 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)69%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
16%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Black
18%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
51%
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)15.4%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
Showing 2015–2024. Full 26-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 W A Bess Elementary School's ranking?
W A Bess Elementary School is ranked #649 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are W A Bess Elementary School often compared to?
W A Bess Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like New Hope Elementary School, Robinson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend W A Bess Elementary School?
674 students attend W A Bess Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of W A Bess Elementary School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of W A Bess Elementary School?
W A Bess Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does W A Bess Elementary School offer ?
W A Bess Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is W A Bess Elementary School part of?
W A Bess Elementary School is part of Gaston County Schools.
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