Serving 641 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, W A Bess Elementary School ranks in the top 30% 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 69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (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 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 641 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 43%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
W A Bess Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
W A Bess Elementary School's student population of 641 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
641 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Rankings
W A Bess Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of W A Bess Elementary School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#649 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)69%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
5%
4%
Hispanic
17%
21%
Black
15%
25%
White
57%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W A Bess Elementary School's ranking?
W A Bess Elementary School is ranked #649 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are W A Bess Elementary School often compared to?
W A Bess Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like New Hope Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend W A Bess Elementary School?
641 students attend W A Bess Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of W A Bess Elementary School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 5% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of W A Bess Elementary School?
W A Bess Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does W A Bess Elementary School offer ?
W A Bess Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is W A Bess Elementary School part of?
W A Bess Elementary School is part of Gaston County Schools School District.
School Reviews
Review W A Bess Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
