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
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.