For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 1,225 students in Locust, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Locust, NC are Locust Elementary School and West Stanly Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Locust, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Locust have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 28% 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 Locust, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Locust Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
103 School Rd
Locust, NC 28097
(704) 961-5500
Locust, NC 28097
(704) 961-5500
Gr: K-5 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
West Stanly Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
339 Running Creek Church Rd
Locust, NC 28097
(704) 961-3600
Locust, NC 28097
(704) 961-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 662 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Locust, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Locust, NC include Locust Elementary School and West Stanly Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Locust?
2 public schools are located in Locust.
What is the racial composition of students in Locust?
Locust public schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.