Knightdale Elementary

Summary:

Knightdale Elementary is a public elementary school serving around 550 students in grades PK-5 in Knightdale, North Carolina, which is part of the Wake County Schools district. While the district is ranked 59th out of 242 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating, Knightdale Elementary has consistently underperformed compared to the district and state averages on standardized tests in mathematics, reading, and science.

Knightdale Elementary has a significantly higher percentage of minority students, with 41.64% African American and 32.36% Hispanic, compared to nearby schools that tend to have a more balanced racial distribution. Additionally, the school has a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 46.18% to 74.73% over the past few years, which is notably higher than the nearby schools. As a result, Knightdale Elementary has consistently ranked in the bottom third of North Carolina elementary schools, with a 1-star or 2-star rating from SchoolDigger, in contrast to higher-performing schools like Carver Elementary and Hodge Road Elementary.

The persistent academic underperformance, demographic disparities, and lower school rankings at Knightdale Elementary compared to nearby schools raise concerns about equity and access to quality education within the Wake County Schools district. However, the proximity of Knightdale Elementary to these higher-performing schools presents an opportunity for collaboration and resource sharing, which could potentially benefit the students and teachers at Knightdale Elementary.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 109 Ridge St
       Knightdale, NC  27545


(919) 266-8540

District: Wake County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
1340th of 1,505 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,196 Help


Students who attend Knightdale Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Wendell Middle
High:    Knightdale High
    Wake Early College of Health and Science
    Wake STEM Early College High School
    Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  13.0 Help
Number of students:  549

Racial breakdown:

African American:
40.4%
Hispanic:
34.6%
White:
14.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  73.2% Help


 See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

 Compare Knightdale Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Knightdale Elementary ranks worse than 89% of elementary schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 112th among 115 ranked elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 16.26. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Knightdale Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (40.4%), Hispanic (34.6%), White (14.2%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 73.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Knightdale Elementary is 13, which is the 49th best among 115 elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Knightdale Elementary employs 42 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Knightdale Elementary is $10,196, which is the 50th highest among 115 elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Knightdale Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Knightdale Elementary 1340th of 1505 North Carolina public elementary schools. (See Knightdale Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Wake County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Wake County Schools 59th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Knightdale Elementary.

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Rank History for Knightdale Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 65.72 418th 1276 67.2%
2007 59.95 549th 1293 57.5%
2008 44.35 816th 1324 38.4%
2009 46.46 829th 1354 38.8%
2010 45.03 852nd 1363 37.5%
2011 35.33 987th 1381 28.5%
2012 35.41 1001st 1388 27.9%
2013 42.04 809th 1403 42.3%
2014 35.75 920th 1390 33.8%
2015 31.92 1057th 1440 26.6%
2016 30.11 1073rd 1425 24.7%
2017 33.46 1027th 1429 28.1%
2018 20.90 1201st 1434 16.2%
2019 19.56 1273rd 1473 13.6%
2021 34.36 954th 1489 35.9%
2022 35.17 1005th 1514 33.6%
2023 13.58 1359th 1502 9.5%
2024 16.26 1340th 1505 11.0%
See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.22 304th 421 27.8%
2019 24.58 439th 497 11.7%
2021 36.45 232nd 385 39.7%
2022 35.95 317th 485 34.6%
2023 23.81 434th 514 15.6%
2024 24.39 464th 533 12.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 30.99 580th 801 27.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.51 999th 1332 25.0%
2019 29.14 1070th 1361 21.4%
2021 49.38 599th 1329 54.9%
2022 45.54 737th 1366 46.0%
2023 18.82 1281st 1437 10.9%
2024 22.85 1255th 1450 13.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.68 1222nd 1405 13.0%
2019 19.58 1240th 1424 12.9%
2021 39.82 837th 1440 41.9%
2022 34.94 977th 1458 33.0%
2023 16.95 1300th 1459 10.9%
2024 18.69 1274th 1455 12.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 21.60 799th 897 10.9%
2019 24.66 756th 878 13.9%
2022 67.48 121st 634 80.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 24.90 1145th 1413 19.0%
2019 21.23 1221st 1430 14.6%
2021 30.62 979th 1444 32.2%
2022 35.87 963rd 1464 34.2%
2023 12.41 1359th 1461 7.0%
2024 17.12 1296th 1464 11.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.92 570th 927 38.5%
2019 44.27 529th 949 44.3%
2021 60.91 238th 896 73.4%
2022 57.56 309th 927 66.7%
2023 27.29 733rd 933 21.4%
2024 30.36 706th 924 23.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.65 660th 851 22.4%
2019 28.65 704th 865 18.6%
2021 32.07 613th 843 27.3%
2022 37.08 596th 893 33.3%
2023 17.82 843rd 915 7.9%
2024 19.58 858th 951 9.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Knightdale Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 26.51 985th 1178 16.4%
2019 21.85 1034th 1183 12.6%
2021 49.74 578th 1172 50.7%
2022 42.25 722nd 1194 39.5%
2023 16.19 1086th 1183 8.2%
2024 21.16 1009th 1166 13.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for White 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.

Knightdale Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.7)
67%

0%

0%

0%

33%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Open Quote Wonderful close knit school filled with teachers that care about student success. We have been thrilled with the quality education our daughters are receiving at KES. Close Quote


by a citizen
Sunday, April 17, 2016

Open Quote I feel that the majority of the teachers there do not care about those kids. When someone outside tries to invest time in helping the kids, then some of the teachers try to bully the person or run them away. I see some kids with great potential, but sadly I do not think they will ever get the support they need with the caliber of teachers there. I also feel like there are things going on beneath the surface that they try to hide from people on the outside. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, March 4, 2016

Open Quote Great AU program, for PreK Close Quote



Enrollment information for Knightdale Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 453 127 4 4 2 n/a n/a 0 590
1989 484 136 4 1 2 n/a n/a 0 627
1990 483 142 0 5 3 n/a n/a 0 633
1991 420 132 4 11 6 n/a n/a 0 573
1992 456 126 4 17 3 n/a n/a 0 606
1993 450 131 3 9 3 n/a n/a 0 596
1994 464 131 7 13 1 n/a n/a 0 616
1995 424 206 4 13 2 n/a n/a 0 649
1996 424 206 4 13 2 n/a n/a 0 649
1997 406 229 6 20 5 n/a n/a 0 666
1998 364 238 8 24 4 n/a n/a -6 632
1999 326 262 11 27 6 n/a n/a 0 632
2000 310 311 5 31 5 n/a n/a 0 662
2001 319 350 6 29 3 n/a n/a 0 707
2002 278 347 4 99 6 n/a n/a 0 734
2003 278 347 4 99 6 n/a n/a 0 734
2004 250 353 7 116 5 n/a n/a 0 731
2005 189 321 5 130 2 n/a n/a 0 647
2006 197 376 7 149 4 n/a n/a 0 733
2007 178 313 8 153 3 n/a n/a 36 691
2008 174 261 7 166 2 n/a n/a 32 642
2009 163 302 7 188 2 n/a n/a 0 662
2010 122 285 12 130 0 n/a n/a 0 549
2011 133 248 10 181 2 0 28 0 602
2012 136 326 13 216 1 0 32 0 724
2013 107 322 15 225 2 0 26 0 697
2014 95 314 17 273 2 0 29 0 730
2015 89 331 16 284 1 1 28 0 750
2016 84 317 21 276 2 1 31 0 732
2017 79 290 29 251 1 0 23 0 673
2018 80 258 30 223 1 1 14 0 607
2019 88 259 23 223 0 1 15 0 609
2020 101 236 21 216 2 0 14 0 590
2021 102 246 21 188 1 0 18 0 576
2022 101 228 22 192 2 0 18 0 563
2023 93 229 19 178 0 1 30 0 550
2024 78 222 21 190 1 0 37 0 549

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 Knightdale Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 590 29.0 20.3 15.4
1989 627 29.0 21.6 15.6
1990 633 30.0 21.1 22.1
1991 573 38.0 15.0 24.4
1992 606 38.0 15.9 15.5
1993 596 37.0 16.1 22.1
1994 616 34.0 18.1 23.7
1995 649 38.0 17.1 20.8
1996 649 38.0 17.1 20.8
1997 666 40.0 16.7 25.2
1998 632 42.0 15.0 28.4
1999 632 38.0 16.6 41.3
2000 662 38.0 17.4 40.2
2001 707 37.0 19.1 41
2002 734 50.0 14.7 49.5
2003 734 50.0 14.7 49.5
2004 731 50.0 14.6 55.1
2005 647 56.0 11.6 60
2006 733 54.0 13.6 58.1
2007 691 n/a n/a 61.1
2008 642 53.7 12.0 n/a
2009 662 54.7 12.1 n/a
2010 549 38.9 14.1 58.8
2011 602 41.7 14.4 57.5
2012 724 50.9 14.2 62.2
2013 697 52.3 13.3 67.4
2014 730 54.0 13.5 68.6
2015 750 54.0 13.8 74.5
2016 732 52.0 14.0 76.8
2017 673 48.5 13.8 77
2018 607 45.0 13.4 72
2019 609 45.0 13.5 75
2020 590 43.6 13.5 64.4
2021 576 43.5 13.2 63.7
2022 563 48.0 11.7 46.2
2023 550 44.0 12.5 74.7
2024 549 42.0 13.0 73.2

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 Knightdale Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 590 29.0 20.3 15.4
1989 627 29.0 21.6 15.6
1990 633 30.0 21.1 22.1
1991 573 38.0 15.0 24.4
1992 606 38.0 15.9 15.5
1993 596 37.0 16.1 22.1
1994 616 34.0 18.1 23.7
1995 649 38.0 17.1 20.8
1996 649 38.0 17.1 20.8
1997 666 40.0 16.7 25.2
1998 632 42.0 15.0 28.4
1999 632 38.0 16.6 41.3
2000 662 38.0 17.4 40.2
2001 707 37.0 19.1 41
2002 734 50.0 14.7 49.5
2003 734 50.0 14.7 49.5
2004 731 50.0 14.6 55.1
2005 647 56.0 11.6 60
2006 733 54.0 13.6 58.1
2007 691 n/a n/a 61.1
2008 642 53.7 12.0 n/a
2009 662 54.7 12.1 n/a
2010 549 38.9 14.1 58.8
2011 602 41.7 14.4 57.5
2012 724 50.9 14.2 62.2
2013 697 52.3 13.3 67.4
2014 730 54.0 13.5 68.6
2015 750 54.0 13.8 74.5
2016 732 52.0 14.0 76.8
2017 673 48.5 13.8 77
2018 607 45.0 13.4 72
2019 609 45.0 13.5 75
2020 590 43.6 13.5 64.4
2021 576 43.5 13.2 63.7
2022 563 48.0 11.7 46.2
2023 550 44.0 12.5 74.7
2024 549 42.0 13.0 73.2

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.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Knightdale Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,272 (12.5%) $8,925 (87.5%) $10,196

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Knightdale Elementary

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 1273rd of 1473 Elementary schoolsRanks 1359th of 1502 Elementary schools
 4.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Knightdale Elementary)39.437.6
 1.8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)69.467.4
 2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)64.361.1
 3.2%
3rd Grade Reading (Knightdale Elementary)39.428
 11.4%
   3rd Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)6658.7
 7.3%
   3rd Grade Reading (North Carolina)56.848
 8.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Knightdale Elementary)40.226.7
 13.5%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)6565
   4th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
4th Grade Reading (Knightdale Elementary)37.430.7
 6.7%
   4th Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)63.265.7
 2.5%
   4th Grade Reading (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
5th Grade Mathematics (Knightdale Elementary)61.341.6
 19.7%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)6665.6
 0.4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)60.255.9
 4.3%
5th Grade Reading (Knightdale Elementary)36.133.7
 2.4%
   5th Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)60.659.1
 1.5%
   5th Grade Reading (North Carolina)54.648
 6.6%
5th Grade Science (Knightdale Elementary)43.730.3
 13.4%
   5th Grade Science (Wake County Schools)71.370.6
 0.7%
   5th Grade Science (North Carolina)72.665.3
 7.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students609550
 9.7%
African American259229
 11.6%
American Indian00
Asian2319
 17.4%
Hispanic223178
 20.2%
Pacific Islander11
White8893
 5.7%
Two or More Races1530
 100%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients75%74.7%
 0.3%


Schools Near Knightdale Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Knightdale Elementary

Knightdale Elementary ranks in the bottom 11.0% of North Carolina elementary schools.

Students at Knightdale Elementary are 40% African American, 35% Hispanic, 14% White, 7% Two or more races, 4% Asian.

In the 2023-24 school year, 549 students attended Knightdale Elementary.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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