Best Elementary Schools in Winston Salem, NC

The city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina is home to 35 elementary schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, with a few schools extending to 8th grade. These schools are a mix of public and public charter institutions, serving diverse student populations with varying levels of academic performance.

Among the standout schools in the area are Meadowlark Elementary, which consistently ranks among the top 10% of elementary schools in North Carolina, and Sherwood Forest Elementary, which ranks in the top 3% statewide. These high-performing schools boast over 70% proficiency in math, reading, and science, significantly outpacing the district and state averages. Other top-performing schools include Whitaker Elementary and The Downtown School, which serve students from pre-K through 8th grade.

In contrast, many of the schools in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district struggle with high rates of economic disadvantage, as evidenced by the large number of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Schools like Kimmel Farm Elementary, Speas Elementary, and Konnoak Elementary have over 99% of their students in this category, highlighting the significant challenges these high-poverty schools face in supporting student learning and achievement.