For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 5,149 students in Salisbury, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Salisbury, NC are West Rowan Middle School, Erwin Middle School and Isenberg Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salisbury, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Salisbury have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Salisbury, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Rowan Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5925 Statesville Blvd
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 633-4775
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 633-4775
Gr: 6-8 | 707 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Erwin Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
170 St Luke's Church Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-7265
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-7265
Gr: 6-8 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Isenberg Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2800 Jake Alexander Blvd N
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3009
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3009
Gr: PK-5 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Summit Virtual Academy
(Math: 18% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1636 Parkview Circle
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 630-7274
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 630-7274
Gr: K-12 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
Southeast Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1570 Peeler Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 638-5561
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 638-5561
Gr: 6-8 | 628 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #66.
Knollwood Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3075 Shue Rd
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 857-3400
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 857-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #77.
Overton Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1825 Park Rd W
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3000
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3000
Gr: K-5 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #88.
Hurley Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
625 Hurley School Rd
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3038
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3038
Gr: PK-5 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #99.
Henderson High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1215 North Main St
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3134
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3134
Gr: 6-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #1010.
Koontz Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
685 East Ritchie Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-0273
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-0273
Gr: PK-5 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1111.
Dole Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
465 Choate Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 639-3046
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 639-3046
Gr: PK-5 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Salisbury, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Salisbury, NC include West Rowan Middle School, Erwin Middle School and Isenberg Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Salisbury?
11 public elementary schools are located in Salisbury.
What is the racial composition of students in Salisbury?
Salisbury public elementary schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Salisbury are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Salisbury include: Erwin Middle School vs. Southeast Middle School, West Rowan Middle School vs. Southeast Middle School, Overton Elementary School vs. Koontz 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.
