For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,716 students in 28704, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 471 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in 28704, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28704, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 28704 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 28704, NC 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 28704, NC Public Schools (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 28704, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28704, NC include Glen Arden Elementary School, Valley Springs Middle School and Avery's Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28704?
3 public schools are located in 28704.
What percentage of students in 28704 go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in 28704 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28704?
28704 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).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.