Serving 330 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Whitnel 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 21:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 330 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Whitnel Elementary serves the southern part of Lenoir, NC, covering an area of approximately 11.9 square miles. Families in this zone can typically reach the school within 5 to 10 minutes, with an average distance of 2.2 miles to the nearest boundary and a maximum distance of 4.2 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Whitnel Elementary School's student population of 330 students has grown by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
330 students
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Year Founded
1904
School Motto
Be Present, Be Kind, Be Safe
School Rankings
Whitnel 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 Whitnel Elementary School is 0.59, 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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)30-34%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
24%
22%
Black
8%
24%
White
59%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)21.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Yellowjackets
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whitnel Elementary School's ranking?
Whitnel Elementary School is ranked #2163 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Whitnel Elementary School often compared to?
Whitnel Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Baton Elementary School, Sawmills Elementary School by visitors of our site.
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 Whitnel Elementary School?
330 students attend Whitnel Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Whitnel Elementary School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whitnel Elementary School?
Whitnel Elementary School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Whitnel Elementary School offer ?
Whitnel Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Whitnel Elementary School part of?
Whitnel Elementary School is part of Caldwell County Schools.
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