Serving 1,010 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Polenta 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 55% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (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 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 1,010 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Polenta 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
Polenta Elementary School's student population of 1,010 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,010 students
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
School Rankings
Polenta 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 Polenta Elementary School is 0.66, 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
#1062 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)55%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
28%
22%
Black
18%
24%
White
48%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
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 Polenta Elementary School's ranking?
Polenta Elementary School is ranked #1062 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?
55% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Polenta Elementary School?
1,010 students attend Polenta Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Polenta Elementary School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Polenta Elementary School?
Polenta Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Polenta Elementary School offer ?
Polenta Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Polenta Elementary School part of?
Polenta Elementary School is part of Johnston County School District.
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