Serving 453 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, The Downtown School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is higher 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 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 453 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
The Downtown School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
The Downtown School's student population of 453 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
453 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
The Downtown School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of The Downtown 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
#397 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)70%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
9%
22%
Black
34%
24%
White
47%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Downtown School's ranking?
The Downtown School is ranked #397 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are The Downtown School often compared to?
The Downtown Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Thomas Jefferson Middle School, The Arts Based School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend The Downtown School?
453 students attend The Downtown School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of The Downtown School students are White, 34% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of The Downtown School?
The Downtown School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does The Downtown School offer ?
The Downtown School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is The Downtown School part of?
The Downtown School is part of Winston Salem / Forsyth County Schools.
In what neighborhood is The Downtown School located?
The Downtown School is located in the Downtown Winston Salem neighborhood of Winston Salem, NC.
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