Average
#1376 of 2,648 schools in NC
Peterson Elementary
Elementary School · Public Schools of Robeson County
102 Phillips Ave, Red Springs, NC 28377
Enrollment
539
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
539
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Red Springs
#1 of 4
public schools
North Carolina elementary schools
#1,010 of 1,474
In district
#14 of 36
Public Schools of Robeson County
Academic growth
8.1 / 10
Very strong
About Peterson Elementary
Peterson Elementary is a regular public elementary school located in the rural area of Red Springs, North Carolina. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade and has an enrollment of 539 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 16.3:1, Peterson Elementary ensures that each child receives personalized attention to support their learning journey.
The academic performance at Peterson Elementary indicates room for growth, with the MySchoolScout rating standing at 4.0 out of 10 and ranking in the lower quartile among North Carolina schools at number 2034 out of 2661. In terms of proficiency rates, 28% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts (ELA) and reading, while 32% meet or exceed proficiency standards in math. While academic scores suggest areas for improvement, the dedicated staff at Peterson Elementary is committed to fostering a nurturing environment where every child can develop their skills and talents.
The school's setting amidst a rural community provides students with opportunities to connect with nature and explore local resources. Peterson Elementary stands as an integral part of the Red Springs neighborhood, offering a supportive educational foundation for young learners in Robeson County.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Peterson Elementary are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, Peterson Elementary 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Peterson Elementary — Students at Peterson Elementary score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 10 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 8.1/10.
How Peterson Elementary Compares
See how Peterson Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 18% (2019) to 43.3% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 27% (2019) to 28.8% (2025).
Location
102 Phillips Ave, Red Springs, NC 28377
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Peterson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Sandy Grove Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Lumber Bridge), which scores notably higher. Another option is Prospect Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 6.0 miles away, in nearby Maxton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Oxendine Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Maxton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Red Springs, see our Red Springs schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Red Springs Middle Red Springs | 0.6 mi | 4.5 |
| Red Springs High Red Springs | 0.8 mi | 4.4 |
| HIGHLANDER ACADEMY Red Springs | 0.8 mi | 7.4 |
| Oxendine Elementary Maxton | 3.9 mi | 8.0 |
| Prospect Elementary Maxton | 6.0 mi | 8.2 |
| MOUNT ZION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Pembroke | 6.4 mi | — |
| Rex-Rennert Elementary Shannon | 6.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Union Chapel Elementary Pembroke | 7.6 mi | 7.9 |
| Old Main STREAM Academy Pembroke | 8.6 mi | 6.2 |
| CIS Academy Lumberton | 8.7 mi | 6.6 |
| Hawk Eye Elementary Red Springs | 8.3 mi | 4.2 |
| Purnell Swett High Pembroke | 8.6 mi | 3.2 |
| Pembroke Elementary Pembroke | 9.5 mi | 7.1 |
| Pembroke Middle Pembroke | 9.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Sandy Grove Elementary Lumber Bridge | 10.8 mi | 8.7 |
| SandHoke Early College High Raeford | 11.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Sandy Grove Middle Lumber Bridge | 10.8 mi | 3.3 |
| Hoke County High Raeford | 11.4 mi | 2.8 |
| Don D Steed Elementary Raeford | 11.9 mi | 7.5 |
| J W McLauchlin Elementary Raeford | 11.9 mi | 6.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28377 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$34,892
Median Home Value
$88,900
Median Rent
$665/mo
Population
11,188
College Educated
12.8%
Homeownership
68.8%
Avg Commute
28 min
Poverty Rate
34%
Median Age
34
Community Profile
The community surrounding Peterson Elementary has a median household income of $34,892. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $88,900, with a median rent of $665/month. The area has a poverty rate of 34.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chinquapin Elementary Chinquapin, NC | 6.4 |
| Costner Elementary Dallas, NC | 6.4 |
| Deep Branch Elementary Lumberton, NC | 6.4 |
| Fred L Wilson Elementary Kannapolis, NC | 6.4 |
| Hillcrest Elementary Burlington, NC | 6.4 |
| Holly Tree Elementary Wilmington, NC | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Peterson Elementary
What grades does Peterson Elementary serve?
Peterson Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend Peterson Elementary?
Peterson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 539 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Peterson Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Peterson Elementary is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Peterson Elementary rank in NC?
Peterson Elementary is ranked #1376 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Peterson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Peterson Elementary has a composite rating of 6.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Peterson Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Peterson Elementary has 32.1% math proficiency and 27.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Peterson Elementary a charter school?
No, Peterson Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Peterson Elementary a Title I school?
No, Peterson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Peterson Elementary?
99.4% of students at Peterson 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (5,252/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Red Springs). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 539
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 33
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Robeson County
- Phone
- (910) 843-4125
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Public Schools of Robeson County- District Enrollment
- 20,983
- Schools in District
- 37
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,767
- District Rank
- #14 of 36
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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