Swift Creek Elementary

Summary:

Swift Creek Elementary is a public elementary school in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving students from kindergarten to 5th grade as part of the Wake County Schools district.

Swift Creek Elementary consistently outperforms state and district averages in academic measures, particularly in mathematics and science. In the 2023-2024 school year, 80.4% of 3rd-grade students were proficient or better in EOG/Mathematics, compared to 69.3% for Wake County Schools and 62.7% for North Carolina. The school's diverse student population, with 48.98% White, 22.19% African American, and 17.35% Hispanic students, is a key differentiating factor compared to some nearby schools. However, the school struggles with achievement gaps, ranking 734th and 444th out of North Carolina elementary schools for its African American and Hispanic student populations, respectively, in 2023-2024.

Over the past decade, Swift Creek Elementary has steadily improved its statewide ranking, moving from 772nd out of 1,473 North Carolina elementary schools in 2018-2019 to 367th out of 1,505 in 2023-2024. This consistent improvement suggests the school is making positive strides, though it faces challenges in addressing the growing percentage of economically disadvantaged students, which has increased from 24.94% in 2021-2022 to 38.78% in 2022-2023. Nearby schools like Farmington Woods Elementary and Cary Elementary also demonstrate strong academic performance, indicating a high level of educational quality in the surrounding area.


Detail:

Public K-5

 5601 Tryon Rd
       Raleigh, NC  27606-4451


(919) 233-4320

District: Wake County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
367th of 1,505 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,861 Help


Students who attend Swift Creek Elementary usually attend:

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

Student/teacher ratio:  13.7 Help
Number of students:  392

Racial breakdown:

White:
49.0%
African American:
22.2%
Hispanic:
17.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  38.8% Help


 See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

 Compare Swift Creek Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Swift Creek Elementary ranks better than 75.6% of elementary schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 54th among 115 ranked elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 72.18. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Swift Creek Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (49%), African American (22.2%), Hispanic (17.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 38.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Swift Creek Elementary is 13.7. 75 elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Swift Creek Elementary employs 28.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Swift Creek Elementary is $9,861. 66 elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Swift Creek Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Swift Creek Elementary 367th of 1505 North Carolina public elementary schools. (See Swift Creek Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
African American students:
White students:


Wake County Schools:

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


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Your rating for Swift Creek Elementary?

Rank History for Swift Creek Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 53.82 652nd 1276 48.9%
2007 52.88 688th 1293 46.8%
2008 68.13 384th 1324 71.0%
2009 60.96 592nd 1354 56.3%
2010 77.23 254th 1363 81.4%
2011 77.15 246th 1381 82.2%
2012 79.97 209th 1388 84.9%
2013 87.75 130th 1403 90.7%
2014 77.82 274th 1390 80.3%
2015 68.76 439th 1440 69.5%
2016 59.68 563rd 1425 60.5%
2017 50.01 745th 1429 47.9%
2018 64.99 500th 1434 65.1%
2019 49.93 772nd 1473 47.6%
2021 63.77 504th 1489 66.2%
2022 65.10 497th 1514 67.2%
2023 68.74 428th 1502 71.5%
2024 72.18 367th 1505 75.6%
See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 44.61 66th 103 35.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 35.46 345th 497 30.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.58 905th 1332 32.1%
2019 34.03 989th 1361 27.3%
2021 58.09 448th 1329 66.3%
2022 44.04 767th 1366 43.9%
2023 41.28 884th 1437 38.5%
2024 45.15 818th 1450 43.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 60.12 585th 1405 58.4%
2019 40.12 906th 1424 36.4%
2021 64.38 443rd 1440 69.2%
2022 69.51 385th 1458 73.6%
2023 73.71 321st 1459 78.0%
2024 72.51 328th 1455 77.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 43.80 293rd 634 53.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 65.85 86th 612 85.9%
2021 54.91 287th 494 41.9%
2022 57.97 265th 500 47.0%
2023 60.91 260th 582 55.3%
2024 49.92 472nd 669 29.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 67.08 431st 1413 69.5%
2019 60.85 520th 1430 63.6%
2021 60.12 546th 1444 62.2%
2022 59.48 577th 1464 60.6%
2023 61.64 531st 1461 63.7%
2024 67.46 424th 1464 71.0%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 65.49 250th 927 73.0%
2019 54.44 380th 949 60.0%
2022 34.86 624th 927 32.7%
2023 38.63 583rd 933 37.5%
2024 28.00 734th 924 20.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.86 548th 851 35.6%
2019 45.64 481st 865 44.4%
2023 49.69 444th 915 51.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Swift Creek Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.92 220th 1178 81.3%
2019 51.97 578th 1183 51.1%
2021 68.30 331st 1172 71.8%
2022 82.76 155th 1194 87.0%
2023 81.15 167th 1183 85.9%
2024 81.60 173rd 1166 85.2%
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.

Swift Creek 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: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, November 18, 2019

Open Quote I have had 3 kids all go through Swift Creek and my last is in their last year there. Swift Creek has amazing teachers, amazing parents, and great kids... it's not a huge school so all of the teachers know ALL of the kids. It's definitely a wonderful school and I highly recommend it. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Open Quote As a teacher for the county, we could send our children to any school in the district. We CHOOSE to send them to SCES. Our son completed all 6 years at this school, excelling academically but also fostering wonderful relationships with students and staff. My daughter is following right in those footsteps, as she is now 1/2 way through her time at this wonderful school. Swift Creek is so much more than test scores! It is a community of parents, teachers, administrators, students, and community working together to create home-away-from-home for our kids to learn. The PTA is strong. The leadership team encourages and welcomes parental involvement. The school sees its diversity as an asset and celebrates the differences of its students. I give Swift Creek my highest recommendation. We are a proud family and past and present Swifties! Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Open Quote I’ve been so impressed with Swift Creek and couldn’t be happier that we landed here. The teachers and principal welcome the kids each morning and see them off in the afternoon, calling each by name. As a former teacher and child of two retired teachers, I appreciate how the entire staff shows how much they truly care about the students. There’s so much positive energy all over campus and in the classrooms. The PTA is top-notch and plans activities throughout the year that really get the kids involved. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Open Quote We LOVE Swift Creek! We have been there for four years, and although there have been some changes within the school itself, it has not changed the integrity of the school. The students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but that is one of the many reasons that make the school so wonderful.
The size of the school is another plus for me. I love it that the students all know one another. The teachers and staff know students on a first-name basis, and students and parents feel welcome and encouraged. I see on a daily basis the children that need help are pulled out of their class to get the special one-on-one help from the aids. The children that are academically gifted get special assignments and classes too. Children on all levels can and will succeed at Swift Creek. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Open Quote We asked for a transfer to SCES two years ago after visiting several times. It is a wonderful smaller school with a family-like atmosphere. They have incredible teachers a wonderful principal and vice-principal. They really care about their students. The principal is very visible and personable and knows a lot of students by their first names. The PTA is very active. The teachers, administrative staff and parents are so friendly. I highly recommend this school. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Open Quote Our two kids go to Swift Creek (Kindergarten and Second Grade), we have been attending for 3 years now. As a new parent to WCPSS, I didn't really know what to expect. We have been very happy with the community atmosphere and the level at which our children are learning. SCES has a wonderful, fully engaged PTA. Here, everyone knows each other. The school is the perfect size for our family - you are never just a number! You are always greeted with smiling faces and happy children. The After School Program has improved significantly since our first year here. My kids love going to both school and after-school. In fact my Kindergartner just wrote in his journal how much he loves school. Early on, in his first week at school while still getting adjusted, he had a difficult morning and resisted getting on the bus for school. I let his teacher know and she was beyond supportive. She sent me a photo of him and her beaming into the camera to show me everything was great. That's priceless for a parent. That sums up Swift Creek for me. The teachers, staff and PTA are like extended family. If you are thinking of sending your kids here, you won't be disappointed. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, June 2, 2017

Open Quote Swift Creek Elementary is under new leadership this year and WOW…the energy of this school is contagious. The principal and assistant principal truly care about the teachers and students. Teachers are loving, supportive and really want to see all children succeed. They are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to get students engaged and excited to learn. The specials teachers are the best in Wake County! In addition, the PTA (especially the president) is very involved and has provided open communication with the parents. I am so proud to call my child a “Swiftie.” Close Quote



Enrollment information for Swift Creek Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 492 160 7 0 2 n/a n/a 0 661
1989 399 154 6 1 0 n/a n/a 0 560
1990 432 160 11 0 0 n/a n/a 0 603
1991 515 158 8 0 1 n/a n/a 0 682
1992 534 147 12 3 0 n/a n/a 0 696
1993 530 155 15 3 0 n/a n/a 0 703
1994 594 128 18 2 1 n/a n/a 0 743
1995 585 91 20 3 0 n/a n/a 0 699
1996 585 91 20 3 0 n/a n/a 0 699
1997 584 93 25 5 0 n/a n/a 0 707
1998 588 164 25 5 0 n/a n/a 0 782
1999 477 296 27 16 1 n/a n/a 0 817
2000 429 251 25 14 1 n/a n/a 0 720
2001 275 251 15 12 0 n/a n/a 0 553
2002 174 212 13 18 0 n/a n/a 0 417
2003 174 212 13 18 0 n/a n/a 0 417
2004 164 220 10 11 1 n/a n/a 0 406
2005 178 206 9 20 1 n/a n/a 0 414
2006 184 200 15 23 1 n/a n/a 0 423
2007 260 203 16 28 2 n/a n/a 24 533
2008 322 117 37 75 2 n/a n/a 25 578
2009 343 169 28 75 2 n/a n/a 0 617
2010 301 100 34 51 0 n/a n/a 0 486
2011 289 98 23 80 2 0 22 0 514
2012 313 102 22 74 0 0 25 0 536
2013 296 144 22 80 0 0 24 0 566
2014 270 140 24 91 2 0 18 0 545
2015 258 129 18 110 2 0 22 0 539
2016 248 131 20 98 0 0 24 0 521
2017 222 124 21 87 1 0 31 0 486
2018 201 117 15 78 0 0 27 0 438
2019 210 113 25 70 0 1 33 0 452
2020 222 78 16 62 0 0 37 0 415
2021 204 80 17 63 0 0 35 0 399
2022 200 90 17 61 0 1 36 0 405
2023 192 87 14 68 0 0 31 0 392

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 Swift Creek Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 661 32.0 20.6 24.1
1989 560 32.0 17.5 23.2
1990 603 27.0 22.3 23.2
1991 682 34.0 20.0 20.5
1992 696 34.0 20.4 18.7
1993 703 43.0 16.3 18.1
1994 743 43.0 17.3 17.6
1995 699 40.0 17.5 22.3
1996 699 40.0 17.5 22.3
1997 707 41.0 17.2 9.2
1998 782 46.0 17.0 9.1
1999 817 47.0 17.4 16.6
2000 720 47.0 15.3 27.4
2001 553 36.0 15.4 36.2
2002 417 33.0 12.6 38.6
2003 417 33.0 12.6 38.6
2004 406 33.0 12.3 40.1
2005 414 33.0 12.5 37
2006 423 41.0 10.3 37.1
2007 533 n/a n/a 40.5
2008 578 40.1 14.4 n/a
2009 617 41.3 14.9 n/a
2010 486 32.5 14.9 28.8
2011 514 33.1 15.5 32.9
2012 536 35.5 15.0 34.1
2013 566 39.5 14.3 43.3
2014 545 36.5 14.9 41.5
2015 539 36.0 14.9 45.6
2016 521 34.0 15.3 40.3
2017 486 30.0 16.2 45.7
2018 438 30.5 14.3 44.5
2019 452 29.5 15.3 42
2020 415 28.5 14.5 32.3
2021 399 28.5 14.0 30.3
2022 405 31.5 12.8 24.9
2023 392 28.5 13.7 38.8

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 Swift Creek Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 661 32.0 20.6 24.1
1989 560 32.0 17.5 23.2
1990 603 27.0 22.3 23.2
1991 682 34.0 20.0 20.5
1992 696 34.0 20.4 18.7
1993 703 43.0 16.3 18.1
1994 743 43.0 17.3 17.6
1995 699 40.0 17.5 22.3
1996 699 40.0 17.5 22.3
1997 707 41.0 17.2 9.2
1998 782 46.0 17.0 9.1
1999 817 47.0 17.4 16.6
2000 720 47.0 15.3 27.4
2001 553 36.0 15.4 36.2
2002 417 33.0 12.6 38.6
2003 417 33.0 12.6 38.6
2004 406 33.0 12.3 40.1
2005 414 33.0 12.5 37
2006 423 41.0 10.3 37.1
2007 533 n/a n/a 40.5
2008 578 40.1 14.4 n/a
2009 617 41.3 14.9 n/a
2010 486 32.5 14.9 28.8
2011 514 33.1 15.5 32.9
2012 536 35.5 15.0 34.1
2013 566 39.5 14.3 43.3
2014 545 36.5 14.9 41.5
2015 539 36.0 14.9 45.6
2016 521 34.0 15.3 40.3
2017 486 30.0 16.2 45.7
2018 438 30.5 14.3 44.5
2019 452 29.5 15.3 42
2020 415 28.5 14.5 32.3
2021 399 28.5 14.0 30.3
2022 405 31.5 12.8 24.9
2023 392 28.5 13.7 38.8

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 Swift Creek Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $588 (6.0%) $9,272 (94.0%) $9,860

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Swift Creek 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 772nd of 1473 Elementary schoolsRanks 428th of 1502 Elementary schools
 23.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Swift Creek Elementary)45.176.7
 31.6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)69.467.4
 2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)64.361.1
 3.2%
3rd Grade Reading (Swift Creek Elementary)51.260
 8.8%
   3rd Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)6658.7
 7.3%
   3rd Grade Reading (North Carolina)56.848
 8.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Swift Creek Elementary)67.157.5
 9.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)6565
   4th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
4th Grade Reading (Swift Creek Elementary)67.172.6
 5.5%
   4th Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)63.265.7
 2.5%
   4th Grade Reading (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
5th Grade Mathematics (Swift Creek Elementary)57.650
 7.6%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)6665.6
 0.4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)60.255.9
 4.3%
5th Grade Reading (Swift Creek Elementary)54.156.7
 2.6%
   5th Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)60.659.1
 1.5%
   5th Grade Reading (North Carolina)54.648
 6.6%
5th Grade Science (Swift Creek Elementary)72.968.3
 4.6%
   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 Students452392
 13.3%
African American11387
 23%
American Indian00
Asian2514
 44%
Hispanic7068
 2.9%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White210192
 8.6%
Two or More Races3331
 6.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients42%38.8%
 3.3%


Schools Near Swift Creek Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Swift Creek Elementary

Swift Creek Elementary ranks 367th of 1505 North Carolina elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 392 students attended Swift Creek Elementary.

Students at Swift Creek Elementary are 49% White, 22% African American, 17% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 4% Asian.


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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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