Very Good
#646 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 24% in state
J S Waters School
Elementary School · Chatham County Schools
55 J S Waters School Road, Goldston, NC 27252
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#646 of 2,648
In district
#9 of 19
Chatham County Schools
School environment
8.9 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around J S Waters School?
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.
J S Waters School
Elementary School in Goldston · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Chatham Central High
3.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Chatham County Schools Virtual Academy
3.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About J S Waters School
J S Waters School is a public elementary school in Goldston, NC, part of Chatham County Schools. J S Waters School serves approximately 208 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. J S Waters School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 and ranks #646 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for J S Waters School show 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.6 · Very Good
- District avg 7.6
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
J S Waters School 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
J S Waters School — Students at J S Waters School score 57% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
63.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 42 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: 7.6/10.
How J S Waters School Compares
See how J S Waters School 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
55 J S Waters School Road, Goldston, NC 27252
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering J S Waters School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Pittsboro Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Pittsboro), which scores slightly higher. Another option is WB Wicker Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 12.0 miles away, in nearby Sanford), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Deep River Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Sanford), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Goldston, see our Goldston schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Chatham Central High Bear Creek | 3.8 mi | 7.2 |
| Chatham County Schools Virtual Academy Bear Creek | 3.8 mi | — |
| Bonlee School Bonlee | 6.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Virginia Cross Elementary Siler City | 10.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Chatham Middle Siler City | 10.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Central Carolina Academy Sanford | 10.2 mi | — |
| BT Bullock Elementary Sanford | 10.2 mi | 7.0 |
| West Lee Middle Sanford | 11.1 mi | 3.8 |
| Jordan Matthews High Siler City | 11.0 mi | 4.7 |
| J R Ingram Jr Elementary Sanford | 11.3 mi | 6.5 |
| HAW RIVER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Pittsboro | 12.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Deep River Elementary Sanford | 10.0 mi | 8.1 |
| George M. Horton Middle Pittsboro | 11.2 mi | 7.5 |
| Pittsboro Elementary Pittsboro | 11.2 mi | 8.3 |
| Silk Hope School Siler City | 12.6 mi | 6.9 |
| LEE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sanford | 11.9 mi | 6.6 |
| ONE Academy Siler City | 11.6 mi | — |
| Chatham Early College Siler City | 11.6 mi | 7.9 |
| Tramway Elementary Sanford | 12.6 mi | 7.6 |
| WB Wicker Elementary Sanford | 12.0 mi | 8.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27252 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$37,934
Median Home Value
$168,100
Median Rent
$900/mo
Population
1,066
College Educated
7.3%
Homeownership
88.8%
Poverty Rate
5.7%
Median Age
50.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Catawba Heights Elementary Belmont, NC | 7.6 |
| Fall Creek Elementary East Bend, NC | 7.6 |
| Fred A Anderson Elementary Bayboro, NC | 7.6 |
| Lilesville Elementary Lilesville, NC | 7.6 |
| Sunshine Elementary School Bostic, NC | 7.6 |
| C B Eller Elementary School Elkin, NC | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about J S Waters School
What grades does J S Waters School serve?
J S Waters School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend J S Waters School?
J S Waters School has an enrollment of approximately 208 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at J S Waters School?
The student-teacher ratio at J S Waters School is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does J S Waters School rank in NC?
J S Waters School ranks #646 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is J S Waters School's MySchoolScout rating?
J S Waters School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 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 S Waters School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, J S Waters School has 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is J S Waters School a charter school?
No, J S Waters School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is J S Waters School a Title I school?
No, J S Waters School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for J S Waters School?
63.9% of students at J S Waters School 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 – 8th
- Enrollment
- 208
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 15
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 63.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Chatham County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 25.0%
- Phone
- (919) 898-2259
Resources & Links
District
Chatham County Schools- District Enrollment
- 9,023
- Schools in District
- 21
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,128
- District Rank
- #9 of 19
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.