Is Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology a good school?

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology ranks in the bottom 0.9% of North Carolina elementary schools.

How many students attend Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology?

In the 2022-23 school year, 99 students attended Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology.

What is the racial makeup of Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology?

Students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology are 69% African American, 13% White, 11% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Summary:

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology is a small public charter elementary school serving grades K-8 in Jacksonville, North Carolina, with a student population of just 99 students. However, this school faces significant challenges, as it consistently performs well below state and district averages on standardized tests and is ranked among the lowest-performing elementary schools in the state.

Academically, Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology struggles, with only 15.4% of 3rd graders proficient or better in math and 23.1% proficient or better in reading, compared to state averages of 62.7% and 48.7%, respectively. This trend continues across all grade levels and subject areas. The school's student population is also predominantly African American (68.69%) and comes from low-income families, with 96.97% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, significantly higher than nearby schools. In contrast, the nearby Morton Elementary, Summersill Elementary, and other local schools have more diverse student populations and lower percentages of students from low-income families.

The challenges faced by Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology are reflected in its consistently low rankings and ratings. The school has consistently ranked in the bottom 10% of North Carolina elementary schools, with a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger for most years. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school ranked 1491 out of 1505 elementary schools in the state, indicating that it is one of the lowest-performing schools in the Onslow County Schools district, which is ranked 241 out of 242 districts in North Carolina.

Detail:

Public, Charter K-8

1249 Hargett Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540

(910) 219-8603

District: Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

SchoolDigger Rank:
1491^st of 1,505 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Student/teacher ratio: 20.4

Number of students: 99

Racial breakdown:

African American:

68.7%

White:

13.1%

Hispanic:

11.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 97%

See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

Compare Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology ranks worse than 99.1% of elementary schools in North Carolina. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 3.47. (See more...)

Compare Details Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 40.77. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (68.7%), White (13.1%), Hispanic (11.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 97% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology is 20.4. (See more...)

Compare Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology employs 4.8 full-time teachers.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology:

SchoolDigger ranks Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology 1491^st of 1505 North Carolina public elementary schools. (See Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology:

SchoolDigger ranks Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology 241^st of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology.

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Your rating for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology?

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Rank History for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NC State Percentile
2015	5.56	1400^th	1440	2.8%
2016	2.19	1414^th	1425	0.8%
2017	3.16	1401^st	1429	2.0%
2018	6.97	1378^th	1434	3.9%
2019	7.78	1413^th	1473	4.1%
2021	17.35	1257^th	1489	15.6%
2022	16.97	1334^th	1514	11.9%
2024	3.47	1491^st	1505	0.9%

See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NC State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	13.55	1288^th	1361	5.4%
2024	11.46	1395^th	1450	3.8%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NC State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	8.65	1370^th	1424	3.8%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school African American students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NC State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	19.13	834^th	927	10.0%
2019	3.66	946^th	949	0.3%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

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Rank History for all middle school students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NC State Percentile
2016	26.28	528^th	692	23.7%
2017	8.19	653^rd	694	5.9%
2019	32.57	535^th	737	27.4%
2021	13.72	659^th	741	11.1%
2022	11.27	726^th	786	7.6%
2023	40.77	453^rd	784	42.2%

See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NC State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	57.11	267^th	735	63.7%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school African American students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NC State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2022	28.76	426^th	550	22.5%
2023	56.38	180^th	559	67.8%

See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2.3)

33%

67%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, March 1, 2019

While the idea is great, the implementation and how it is run is saddening and ineffective. The students that have been consistently attending the school or that have a connection in the admin are rarely punished no matter the offense. However, if you are new or are have no connection than you do not mean anything to them. They will tell you the school is a business and the amount of money and time required by parents is where that is seen the most. My child’s education suffers because of the students that have behavioral issues. The one’s that throw tantrums and that are continuously interrupting class. And the saddest part is nothing is being taken care of on the admin level. I am always asked to take care of it and to stand beside my son’s teacher. Where’s admin? I don’t understand why my child’s education has to suffer in order for them to make their money and keep disrespectful students there. Based on what my son has told me I am very disappointed and appalled. But what do they do when I ask them? They come up with a lame excuse and send me away. No parent should send their child to this school unless you want their education to suffer at the hands of another student. Teachers are amazing and miracle workers but their hard work does not shine through the misbehaviors and those few students that run each room. If you want a successful student I would highly recommend you sending them anywhere but to this school. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, August 14, 2018

I absolutely love this school. My child no longer attends here because we had to move but the improvement I seen in my child was phenomenal . I can’t wait to see where this school goes in the future. For where it’s located it’s something different and not seen in the area. I honestly feel as if they weren’t in this small town they would thrive so much more. Nonetheless I wish them the best. Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Completely unprofessional staff. Terrible school! Charter should be revoked asap! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2014	6	55	0	1	0	0	29	91
2015	16	95	0	3	0	0	10	124
2016	17	86	0	15	0	0	12	130
2017	11	79	0	16	0	0	12	118
2018	20	115	0	25	0	1	8	169
2019	19	101	0	25	0	1	16	162
2020	16	99	1	24	0	1	30	171
2021	16	104	1	14	1	0	21	157
2022	15	81	1	14	0	0	10	121
2023	13	68	1	11	0	0	6	99

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	91	6.0	15.1	86.8
2015	124	10.0	12.4	80.6
2016	130	9.0	14.4	81.5
2017	118	6.5	17.9	71.2
2018	169	6.2	27.2	80.5
2019	162	8.2	19.6	98.1
2020	171	8.0	21.3	94.2
2021	157	5.8	27.0	96.8
2022	121	4.6	25.9	83.5
2023	99	4.8	20.4	97

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	91	6.0	15.1	86.8
2015	124	10.0	12.4	80.6
2016	130	9.0	14.4	81.5
2017	118	6.5	17.9	71.2
2018	169	6.2	27.2	80.5
2019	162	8.2	19.6	98.1
2020	171	8.0	21.3	94.2
2021	157	5.8	27.0	96.8
2022	121	4.6	25.9	83.5
2023	99	4.8	20.4	97

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 1413^th of 1473 Elementary schools	Ranks 1334^th of 1514 Elementary schools	7.8%
Ranks 535^th of 737 Middle schools	Ranks 453^rd of 784 Middle schools	14.8%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology)	35.3	35.3
3rd Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)	64.3	61.1	3.2%
3rd Grade Reading (Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology)	23.5	29.4	5.9%
3rd Grade Reading (North Carolina)	56.8	48	8.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology)	11.1	9.1	2%
4th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)	57.3	49.9	7.4%
4th Grade Reading (Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology)	33.3	45.5	12.2%
4th Grade Reading (North Carolina)	57.3	51.4	5.9%
6th Grade Mathematics (Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology)	20	20
6th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)	58.8	50.4	8.4%
6th Grade Reading (Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology)	60	30	30%
6th Grade Reading (North Carolina)	60	47.5	12.5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	162	99	38.9%
African American	101	68	32.7%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	1
Hispanic	25	11	56%
Pacific Islander	1	0	100%
White	19	13	31.6%
Two or More Races	16	6	62.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	98.1%	97%	1.2%

Schools Near Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				EOG Mathematics (2024)			EOG Reading (2024)			EOG Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	EOG Mathematics 3rd Grade	EOG Mathematics 4th Grade	EOG Mathematics 5th Grade	EOG Reading 3rd Grade	EOG Reading 4th Grade	EOG Reading 5th Grade	EOG Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology	Public, Charter	K-8	1249 Hargett Street	Jacksonville	28540	Onslow County	Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology	Yes	No	No	Yes	(910) 219-8603	99	5	20.4	97.0%	13 (13.1%)	68 (68.7%)	11 (11.1%)	1 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (6.1%)	3.5	1491^st of 1505 public elementary schools	0.9%					(n/a)	15.4	18.8		23.1	18.8
Clyde Erwin Elementary	Public, Magnet	K-5	323 New River Dr	Jacksonville	28540	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(910) 347-1261	343	21	16.3	67.3%	101 (29.4%)	84 (24.5%)	111 (32.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.6%)	45 (13.1%)	29.7	1103^rd of 1505 public elementary schools	26.7%		25.5	1162^nd of 1502 public elementary schools	22.6%	59	58.1	26.2	37.5	55.8	31.0	45.8	47.9	$10,965	$929	$10,036
Bell Fork Elementary	Public	K-5	500 Bell Fork Rd	Jacksonville	28540	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 347-4459	553	36	15.4	71.2%	126 (22.8%)	218 (39.4%)	136 (24.6%)	5 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	67 (12.1%)	37.9	970^th of 1505 public elementary schools	35.5%		39.1	952^nd of 1502 public elementary schools	36.6%	18	66.3	59.1	38.8	58.2	38.7	33.0	45.6	$9,844	$1,331	$8,513
Northwoods Elementary	Public, Magnet	K-5	617 Henderson Dr	Jacksonville	28540	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(910) 347-2808	351	31	11.4	68.9%	115 (32.8%)	111 (31.6%)	57 (16.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	4 (1.1%)	63 (17.9%)	34.1	1024^th of 1505 public elementary schools	32.0%		37.4	963^rd of 1502 public elementary schools	35.9%	61	50.8	52.9	44.1	31.7	47.1	40.7	62.7	$9,947	$1,028	$8,919
Parkwood Elementary	Public	K-5	2900 Northwoods Dr	Jacksonville	28540	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 347-6711	503	35	14.3	51.5%	259 (51.5%)	89 (17.7%)	92 (18.3%)	4 (0.8%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	58 (11.5%)	59.3	596^th of 1505 public elementary schools	60.4%		66.5	473^rd of 1502 public elementary schools	68.5%	123	53.7	55.6	71.3	45.1	49.4	61.3	81.3	$9,969	$731	$9,237
Jacksonville Commons Elementary	Public	K-5	1121 Commons Drive North	Jacksonville	28546	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 347-1056	533	37	14.4	68.9%	183 (34.3%)	161 (30.2%)	102 (19.1%)	16 (3.0%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	69 (12.9%)	19.6	1292^nd of 1505 public elementary schools	14.2%		17.9	1288^th of 1502 public elementary schools	14.2%	4	52.3	24.5	33.7	36.0	31.9	41.7	48.8	$10,168	$1,161	$9,007
Blue Creek Elementary	Public	K-5	1260 Burgaw Hwy	Jacksonville	28540	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 347-1717	490	36	13.8	66.5%	231 (47.1%)	92 (18.8%)	117 (23.9%)	5 (1.0%)	5 (1.0%)	1 (0.2%)	39 (8.0%)	14.3	1373^rd of 1505 public elementary schools	8.8%		31.1	1070^th of 1502 public elementary schools	28.8%	303	40.4	27.8	29.3	36.2	25.3	39.7	46.6	$10,673	$1,191	$9,482
Carolina Forest Elementary	Public	K-5	141 Carolina Forest Boulevard	Jacksonville	28546	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 346-1778	678	43	15.8	48.8%	257 (37.9%)	154 (22.7%)	152 (22.4%)	37 (5.5%)	3 (0.4%)	4 (0.6%)	71 (10.5%)	70.1	397^th of 1505 public elementary schools	73.6%		64	517^th of 1502 public elementary schools	65.6%	120	79.1	66.7	56.4	62.6	61.1	56.4	73.9	$8,201	$658	$7,543
Hunters Creek Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	3450 Hunters Trail	Jacksonville	28546	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 353-4443	653	44	15.0	66.8%	252 (38.6%)	132 (20.2%)	181 (27.7%)	3 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	5 (0.8%)	79 (12.1%)	36.2	990^th of 1505 public elementary schools	34.2%		29.6	1094^th of 1502 public elementary schools	27.2%	104	51.2	59.3	39.8	38.1	54.7	38.6	54.2	$9,669	$1,315	$8,354
Summersill Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	250 Summersill School Road	Jacksonville	28540	Onslow County	Onslow County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 455-2672	528	43	12.3	69.1%	245 (46.4%)	124 (23.5%)	81 (15.3%)	5 (0.9%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	72 (13.6%)	52.6	710^th of 1505 public elementary schools	52.8%		41.3	908^th of 1502 public elementary schools	39.5%	198	58.6	70.6	49.4	50.0	60.3	48.1	59.3	$10,099	$866	$9,233

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology:

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for all elementary school students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for elementary school African American students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for all middle school students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rank History for middle school African American students at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Review counts

Enrollment information for Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Student/Teacher Ratio Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Impact of COVID-19 on Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

Frequently Asked Questions about Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology

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