Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#2641 of 2,648 schools in NC

Koontz Elementary

Elementary School · Rowan-Salisbury Schools

685 East Ritchie Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146

Enrollment

568

Student-Teacher

15.8:1

Score

2.0

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,641 of 2,648

In Salisbury

#14 of 14

public schools

In district

#32 of 32

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Koontz 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.

Koontz Elementary

2.0/10

Elementary School in Salisbury · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Rowan Co Early College

8.0/10

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

Southeast Middle

2.5/10

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

About Koontz Elementary

Koontz Elementary is a public elementary school in Salisbury, NC, part of Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Koontz Elementary serves approximately 568 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Koontz Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.0 out of 10 and ranks #2,641 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Koontz Elementary show 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares3.1 pts below district
  • This school 2.0 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.1
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Koontz 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.

46% of students at Koontz 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 metrics
Student Progress1.6Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.14 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.5Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.5% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency13.5% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-50.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-33.1 pts
Overall Proficiency14% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-33.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile2th
Resources & Environment3.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,141
Chronic Absenteeism46.1%

Koontz Elementary — Students at Koontz Elementary score 14% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

98.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 22.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
59.4% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 22.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.7% (2025 NC)

Based on 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
72%
ELA
54%
2010
Math
71%
ELA
55%
2011
Math
66%
ELA
45%
2012
Math
18%
ELA
17%
2013
Math
28%
ELA
23%
2014
Math
23%
ELA
21%
2015
Math
19%
ELA
24%
2016
Math
11%
ELA
16%
2017
Math
7%
ELA
16%
2018
Math
4%
ELA
10%
2019
Math
4%
ELA
10%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
17.2%
ELA
18.7%
2025
Math
13.7%
ELA
13.4%

* 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: 1.6/10.

How Koontz Elementary Compares

See how Koontz Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.0/10
0th percentile in NC
Academic
1.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
98%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
46.1%

Programs & Offerings

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

685 East Ritchie Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Koontz Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 5.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Summit Virtual Academy (rated 6.3/10, 4.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Isenberg Elementary (rated 5.3/10, 5.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Salisbury, see our Salisbury schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Rowan Co Early College Salisbury 1.3 mi 8.0
Southeast Middle Salisbury 1.4 mi 2.5
Salisbury High Salisbury 2.8 mi 2.6
SALISBURY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Salisbury 2.5 mi
Faith Academy Charter School Faith 3.1 mi 5.8
Granite Quarry Elementary Granite Quarry 2.9 mi 4.0
ST JOHNS KINDERGARTEN Salisbury 3.4 mi
Summit Virtual Academy Salisbury 4.4 mi 6.3
Henderson High Salisbury 4.2 mi 5.2
Overton Elementary Salisbury 4.7 mi 2.2
NEHEMIAH ENRICHMENT ACADEMY Salisbury 4.0 mi
SALISBURY ACADEMY Salisbury 5.0 mi 5.2
Isenberg Elementary Salisbury 5.3 mi 5.3
Erwin Middle Salisbury 4.5 mi 3.5
East Rowan High Salisbury 4.6 mi 5.6
Knollwood Elementary Salisbury 4.5 mi 3.0
Carson High China Grove 5.1 mi 6.6
NORTH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salisbury 5.5 mi 7.6
Dole Elementary Salisbury 5.0 mi 2.6
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salisbury 5.9 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28146 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$67,053

Median Home Value

$227,600

Median Rent

$888/mo

Population

31,757

College Educated

23.8%

Homeownership

82%

Avg Commute

27.1 min

Poverty Rate

10.8%

Median Age

42.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
L Gilbert Carroll Lumberton, NC 2.1
Devonshire Elementary Charlotte, NC 2.2
Hurley Elementary Salisbury, NC 2.3
H H Beam Elementary Gastonia, NC 1.7
North Drive Elementary Goldsboro, NC 1.5
North Graham Elementary Graham, NC 2.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Koontz Elementary

What grades does Koontz Elementary serve?

Koontz Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Koontz Elementary?

Koontz Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 568 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Koontz Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Koontz Elementary is 15.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Koontz Elementary rank in NC?

Koontz Elementary ranks #2,641 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Koontz Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Koontz Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.0 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 Koontz Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Koontz Elementary has 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Koontz Elementary a charter school?

No, Koontz Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Koontz Elementary a Title I school?

No, Koontz Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Koontz Elementary?

98.4% of students at Koontz 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
22 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
568
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Free/Reduced Lunch
98.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Rowan County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
46.1%

District

Rowan-Salisbury Schools
District Enrollment
18,110
Schools in District
32
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,141
District Rank
#32 of 32

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 rate

Related 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.