For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 3,648 students in Lenoir, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lenoir, NC are Lower Creek Elementary School, Valmead Elementary School and Happy Valley Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lenoir, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Lenoir have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Lenoir, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lower Creek Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
630 Lower Creek Drive Ne
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-4022
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-4022
Gr: PK-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Valmead Elementary School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
111 Elizabeth Drive Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-9612
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-9612
Gr: PK-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Happy Valley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1350 Yadkin River Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-3496
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-3496
Gr: PK-8 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Kings Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3680 Wilkesboro Boulevard
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6039
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6039
Gr: PK-8 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
William Lenoir Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1366 Wildcat Trail
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3910
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3910
Gr: 6-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #66.
Gamewell Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3210 Gamewell School Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6204
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6204
Gr: 6-8 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #77.
Davenport A+ School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
901 College Avenue Sw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6941
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6941
Gr: PK-5 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #88.
Gamewell Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2904 Morganton Boulevard
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-1193
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-1193
Gr: PK-5 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #99.
Whitnel Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1425 Berkley Street Sw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 728-6423
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 728-6423
Gr: PK-5 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1010.
Horizons Elementary School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
332 Greenhaven Dr. Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Gr: K-5 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
332 Greenhaven Dr Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 726-3855
Gr: 4-12 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: n/an/a
Oak Hill Charter School
Charter School
4603 Oak Hill School Rd.
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 759-1383
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 759-1383
Gr: K-8 | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Lenoir, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
4603 Oak Hill School Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6128
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-6128
Gr: PK-8
125 Maple Drive Nw
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-5161
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 754-5161
Gr: 3-5 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Lenoir, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lenoir, NC include Lower Creek Elementary School, Valmead Elementary School and Happy Valley Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Lenoir?
12 public elementary schools are located in Lenoir.
What is the racial composition of students in Lenoir?
Lenoir public elementary schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Lenoir are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Lenoir include: William Lenoir Middle School vs. Gamewell Middle School, Gamewell Middle School vs. William Lenoir Middle School, Valmead Elementary School vs. Lower Creek Elementary School
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