For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,716 students in Arden, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 422 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Arden, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Arden, NC are Glen Arden Elementary School, Valley Springs Middle School and Avery's Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arden, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Arden have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Arden, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Glen Arden Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
50 Pinehurst Circle
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 654-1800
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 654-1800
Gr: PK-4 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Valley Springs Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
224 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 654-1785
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 654-1785
Gr: 5-8 | 654 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
Avery's Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
15 Park South Boulevard
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 654-1810
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 654-1810
Gr: PK-4 | 557 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arden, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Arden, NC include Glen Arden Elementary School, Valley Springs Middle School and Avery's Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Arden?
3 public schools are located in Arden.
What percentage of students in Arden go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Arden are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arden?
Arden public schools minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Arden are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arden include: Avery's Creek Elementary School vs. Glen Arden Elementary School, Glen Arden Elementary School vs. Avery's Creek Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.