Average
#2003 of 2,648 schools in NC
Gouge Elementary
Elementary School · Mitchell County Schools
134 Laurel Street, Bakersville, NC 28705
Enrollment
221
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
221
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,003 of 2,648
In Bakersville
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#6 of 7
Mitchell County Schools
School environment
8.7 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Gouge Elementary?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Gouge Elementary
Elementary School in Bakersville · grades Kindergarten – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Bowman Middle
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Mitchell High
3.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Gouge Elementary
Gouge Elementary is a public elementary school in Bakersville, NC, part of Mitchell County Schools. Gouge Elementary serves approximately 221 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-4th, and has a 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Gouge Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #2,003 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Gouge Elementary show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.0 · Average
- District avg 6.0
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Gouge Elementary sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
39% of students at Gouge Elementary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Gouge Elementary — Students at Gouge Elementary score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.1/10.
How Gouge Elementary Compares
See how Gouge Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
134 Laurel Street, Bakersville, NC 28705
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Gouge Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Greenlee Primary (rated 8.0/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores notably higher. Another option is Cloudland Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Roan Mountain), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 5.7/10, 8.2 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Bakersville, see our Bakersville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bowman Middle Bakersville | 0.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Mitchell High Bakersville | 3.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Deyton Elementary Spruce Pine | 8.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Harris Middle Spruce Pine | 8.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Micaville Elementary Micaville | 8.3 mi | 3.8 |
| SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 8.2 mi | 5.7 |
| TRI-COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 8.4 mi | 5.4 |
| Riverside Elementary Newland | 7.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Burnsville Elementary Burnsville | 9.0 mi | 5.5 |
| East Yancey Middle Burnsville | 9.2 mi | 5.3 |
| GENESIS ACADEMY, INC. Burnsville | 9.4 mi | — |
| Mayland Early College Spruce Pine | 9.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine | 10.5 mi | 8.0 |
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spruce Pine | 9.7 mi | 7.0 |
| South Toe Elementary Burnsville | 12.1 mi | 5.0 |
| ARTHUR MORGAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 13.4 mi | — |
| Cloudland High School Roan Mountain | 13.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Cloudland Elementary School Roan Mountain | 13.5 mi | 7.8 |
| YANCEY COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 12.3 mi | 3.1 |
| Mountain Heritage High Burnsville | 12.5 mi | 7.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28705 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,350
Median Home Value
$202,200
Median Rent
$855/mo
Population
6,733
College Educated
21.7%
Homeownership
80.1%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Median Age
49.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Central Elementary Jackson, NC | 5.0 |
| GRACE COVENANT ACADEMY Cornelius, NC | 5.0 |
| Monroe Charter Academy Monroe, NC | 5.0 |
| Southmont Elementary Lexington, NC | 5.0 |
| Vandalia Elementary Greensboro, NC | 5.0 |
| Bladen Lakes Primary Elizabethtown, NC | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gouge Elementary
What grades does Gouge Elementary serve?
Gouge Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.
How many students attend Gouge Elementary?
Gouge Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 221 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Gouge Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Gouge Elementary is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Gouge Elementary rank in NC?
Gouge Elementary ranks #2,003 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Gouge Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Gouge Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Gouge Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Gouge Elementary has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Gouge Elementary a charter school?
No, Gouge Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Gouge Elementary a Title I school?
No, Gouge Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gouge Elementary?
98.6% of students at Gouge Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 4th
- Enrollment
- 221
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Mitchell County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 38.5%
- Phone
- (828) 766-2260
Resources & Links
District
Mitchell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,705
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,405
- District Rank
- #6 of 7
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.