Summary:
The city of Cove City, North Carolina has only one public school serving students in grades PK-5: James W. Smith Elementary. This high-poverty school faces significant challenges, with 99.12% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. While the school spends above the state average per student, its academic performance has been inconsistent, with test scores generally well below district and state averages, especially in the lower grades.
James W. Smith Elementary's student body is 41.23% White, 31.87% African American, 17.84% Hispanic, and 8.77% two or more races. The school's 5th-grade students perform well in science, with 77.4% proficient, but the math and reading scores are concerning, particularly in 3rd and 4th grades. The school's statewide ranking has dropped over the past three years, from 742nd out of 1,514 elementary schools in 2021-2022 to 962nd out of 1,505 in 2023-2024, indicating that it is struggling to keep pace with other schools in Craven County and across North Carolina.
The data suggests that James W. Smith Elementary may require additional funding and resources to support its students and improve academic outcomes. With high poverty levels and declining performance, the school faces significant challenges in providing effective instruction and support for its young learners. Addressing these issues will likely require a multi-faceted approach, including targeted interventions and a focus on improving teaching and learning at the earliest grade levels.
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