Polk Central Elementary School

2141 South Nc9 Hwy
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
Serving 379 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Polk Central Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 379 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 21%
  • : Top 20% in NC
  • : 65-69% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-69% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Polk Central Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Polk Central Elementary School's student population of 379 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
379 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers

School Rankings

Polk Central Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Polk Central Elementary School is 0.36, 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.
This School
State Level (NC)
#512 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(21-22)
65-69%
51%
60-64%
50%
60-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Hispanic
11%
22%
Black
5%
24%
White
79%
42%
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.36
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk Central Elementary School's ranking?
Polk Central Elementary School is ranked #512 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Polk Central Elementary School often compared to?
Polk Central Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sunny View Elementary School, Tryon Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Polk Central Elementary School?
379 students attend Polk Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Polk Central Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Polk Central Elementary School?
Polk Central Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Polk Central Elementary School offer ?
Polk Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Polk Central Elementary School part of?
Polk Central Elementary School is part of Polk County Schools.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 379 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 21%
  • : Top 20%
  • : 65-69% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-69% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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