Valdese Elementary School, also known as the Old Rock School, is a historic school building located at Valdese, Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1922–1923, and is a two-story, fieldstone four square building with a hipped roof. It features a T-shaped clerestory above the auditorium space.
Serving 530 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Valdese Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 53% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% 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: 530 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 53% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Valdese Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Valdese Elementary School's student population of 530 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
530 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Valdese Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Valdese Elementary School is 0.35, 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
#1054 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)53%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Asian
5%
5%
Hispanic
8%
22%
Black
2%
24%
White
80%
42%
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.2%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valdese Elementary School's ranking?
Valdese Elementary School is ranked #1054 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
53% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Valdese Elementary School?
530 students attend Valdese Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Valdese Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Valdese Elementary School?
Valdese Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Valdese Elementary School offer ?
Valdese Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Valdese Elementary School part of?
Valdese Elementary School is part of Burke County Schools.
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