Cliffside Elementary School

Cliffside Elementary School is a public school in Cliffside, North Carolina, serving kindergarten through fifth grade. Enrollment sits at 196 students, and a 15.1-to-1 student-teacher ratio keeps class sizes small enough for consistent, focused instruction across every grade. The numbers put the school in rare company.

Cliffside earns a composite score of 9.2 out of 10 — rated Exceptional — with academic achievement and student growth each scoring 9.5. That translates to a statewide rank of #33 out of 2,648 public schools in North Carolina. In practical terms, Cliffside outperforms 99% of North Carolina schools, a result driven equally by where students score and how much they improve year over year.

Among elementary schools in North Carolina specifically, Cliffside ranks #30 out of 1,474. Within Rutherford County Schools, it holds the #2 spot among 18 district schools. The dual strength in both achievement and growth scores is notable — many high-scoring schools show strong test results but flat growth, while many high-growth schools start from a low baseline.

Cliffside does both, making it a reliable, data-backed choice for families weighing elementary options in the area.

With an enrollment of 196 students, Cliffside Elementary School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

Located in a rural area, Cliffside Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.