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#1550 of 2,648 schools in NC

J F Kennedy High

High School · Winston Salem / Forsyth County Schools

890 E 11th Street, Winston-salem, NC 27101

Enrollment

309

Student-Teacher

12.9:1

Score

5.9

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,550 of 2,648

In Winston-salem

#28 of 63

public schools

In district

#35 of 78

Winston Salem / Forsyth County Schools

Academic growth

9.0 / 10

Excellent

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J F Kennedy High

5.9/10

High School in Winston-salem · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Carter High School

3.1/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Ephesus JR Academy

5.0/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About J F Kennedy High

J F Kennedy High is a public high school in Winston-salem, NC, part of Winston Salem / Forsyth County Schools. J F Kennedy High serves approximately 309 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 12.9:1 student-teacher ratio. J F Kennedy High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,550 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for J F Kennedy High show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 27% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.5 pts above district
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • District avg 5.4
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

70% of students at J F Kennedy High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.0Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.24 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.4Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency54.3% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.4% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-1.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2.8 pts
Overall Proficiency55% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+8.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile61th
College Readiness3.4Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate67%
AP Participation0.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,811
Chronic Absenteeism70.2%

J F Kennedy High — Students at J F Kennedy High score 55% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 23.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 26.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 30 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
45%
ELA
31%
2010
Math
57%
ELA
37%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
37%
2012
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2013
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2017
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2022
Math
6.6%
ELA
24.8%
2025
Math
54.3%
ELA
56.4%

* 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: 9.0/10.

How J F Kennedy High Compares

See how J F Kennedy High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
42th percentile in NC
Academic
7.4/10
Very Good
Growth
9.0/10
Excellent
Environment
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 3
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
24 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
70.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
0.3% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

890 E 11th Street, Winston-salem, NC 27101

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering J F Kennedy High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Atkins Academic & Tech High (rated 8.6/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is WINSTON-SALEM STREET SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, R J Reynolds High (rated 6.0/10, 1.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Winston-salem, see our Winston-salem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Carter High School Winston-Salem 0.0 mi 3.1
EPHESUS JR ACADEMY Winston-Salem 0.4 mi 5.0
The Arts Based School Winston-Salem 0.6 mi 7.8
Winston-Salem Preparatory Acad Winston-Salem 0.7 mi 4.8
Virtual Academy Winston-Salem 0.8 mi 3.5
The Downtown School Winston-Salem 0.8 mi 7.4
Ashley Academy Winston-Salem 1.0 mi 4.1
WINSTON-SALEM STREET SCHOOL Winston-Salem 1.0 mi 6.7
SALEM MONTESSORI SCHOOL Winston-Salem 1.4 mi 3.1
Kimberley Park Elementary Winston-Salem 1.2 mi 5.2
Cook Literacy Model School Winston-Salem 1.2 mi 6.6
Lowrance Middle Winston-Salem 1.5 mi 4.7
Paisley IB Magnet School Winston-Salem 1.5 mi 3.0
R J Reynolds High Winston-Salem 1.8 mi 6.0
Wiley Magnet Middle Winston-Salem 1.9 mi 5.3
Brunson Elementary Winston-Salem 1.9 mi 5.5
Diggs-Latham Elementary Winston-Salem 2.3 mi 7.1
Carver High Winston-Salem 2.4 mi 3.1
ST LEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL Winston-Salem 2.2 mi 6.7
Atkins Academic & Tech High Winston-Salem 2.2 mi 8.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27101 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$44,611

Median Home Value

$201,500

Median Rent

$970/mo

Population

21,881

College Educated

34.4%

Homeownership

33.4%

Avg Commute

17.8 min

Poverty Rate

25%

Median Age

33.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Apprentice Academy High School Monroe, NC 5.9
North Edgecombe High Tarboro, NC 5.9
Onslow Early College Jacksonville, NC 6.0
Innovation Early College High Greenville, NC 6.1
Washington County High Plymouth, NC 5.7
COASTAL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Wilmington, NC 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about J F Kennedy High

What grades does J F Kennedy High serve?

J F Kennedy High serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend J F Kennedy High?

J F Kennedy High has an enrollment of approximately 309 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at J F Kennedy High?

The student-teacher ratio at J F Kennedy High is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does J F Kennedy High rank in NC?

J F Kennedy High ranks #1,550 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is J F Kennedy High's MySchoolScout rating?

J F Kennedy High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 J F Kennedy High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, J F Kennedy High has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 27% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is J F Kennedy High a charter school?

No, J F Kennedy High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is J F Kennedy High a Title I school?

No, J F Kennedy High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for J F Kennedy High?

99.0% of students at J F Kennedy High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
50 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
57 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
309
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
24
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Forsyth County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
70.2%
4-Year Graduation
67.0%

District

Winston Salem / Forsyth County Schools
District Enrollment
52,157
Schools in District
81
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,811
District Rank
#35 of 78

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