Serving 389 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Upward Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 389 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Upward Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Upward Elementary School's student population of 389 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
389 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Colors
Green and white with black trim
School Calendar
School Motto
I can challenge myself to achieve success!
School Rankings
Upward Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Upward Elementary School is 0.59, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#2139 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)40%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
53%
22%
Black
3%
24%
White
37%
42%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Upward Elementary School's ranking?
Upward Elementary School is ranked #2139 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Upward Elementary School often compared to?
Upward Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dana Elementary School, Atkinson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Upward Elementary School?
389 students attend Upward Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Upward Elementary School students are Hispanic, 37% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Upward Elementary School?
Upward Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Upward Elementary School offer ?
Upward Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Upward Elementary School part of?
Upward Elementary School is part of Henderson County Schools.
School Reviews
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