Very Good
#571 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 22% in state
Pinnacle Elementary School
Elementary School · Rutherford County Schools
1204 Painters Gap Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Enrollment
227
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
227
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Rutherfordton
#2 of 4
public schools
North Carolina elementary schools
#497 of 1,474
In district
#7 of 18
Rutherford County Schools
Equity
9.1 / 10
Exceptional
About Pinnacle Elementary School
Pinnacle Elementary School in Rutherfordton, North Carolina is a regular public school for Pre-K through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 227 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15.1:1, the school provides individualized attention to each child. The dedicated team of 15 full-time equivalent teachers works diligently to support their pupils' academic growth.
Pinnacle Elementary School holds a MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks at #879 among all schools in North Carolina, placing it within the top 67th percentile. The school’s ELA/Reading proficiency rate is 53%, while its Math proficiency stands at 58%. These scores indicate areas where the school can focus on improving student performance.
Located in a rural setting, Pinnacle Elementary School benefits from a close-knit community that values education and supports its young learners.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Pinnacle Elementary School 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
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Pinnacle Elementary School — Students at Pinnacle Elementary School score 61% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 12 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: 7.2/10.
How Pinnacle Elementary School Compares
See how Pinnacle Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 65.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 56.6% (2025).
Location
1204 Painters Gap Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pinnacle Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Rutherfordton Elementary School (rated 9.3/10, 9.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sunny View Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Mill Spring), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Forest City), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Rutherfordton, see our Rutherfordton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28139 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$52,148
Median Home Value
$195,300
Median Rent
$842/mo
Population
18,887
College Educated
23.2%
Homeownership
79.2%
Avg Commute
27.7 min
Poverty Rate
17.9%
Median Age
49.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Pinnacle Elementary School has a median household income of $52,148. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $195,300, with a median rent of $842/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.9%. 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 |
|---|---|
| ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Asheville, NC | 7.8 |
| Clyde Erwin Elementary Jacksonville, NC | 7.8 |
| GREENSBORO MONTESSORI SCHOOL Greensboro, NC | 7.8 |
| Gaston STEM Leadership Academy Gaston, NC | 7.8 |
| Highfalls Elementary Bennett, NC | 7.8 |
| Lucy S. Herring Elementary Asheville, NC | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pinnacle Elementary School
What grades does Pinnacle Elementary School serve?
Pinnacle Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Pinnacle Elementary School?
Pinnacle Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 227 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pinnacle Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Pinnacle Elementary School is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pinnacle Elementary School rank in NC?
Pinnacle Elementary School is ranked #571 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Pinnacle Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pinnacle Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.8 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 Pinnacle Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pinnacle Elementary School has 58.3% math proficiency and 52.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Pinnacle Elementary School a charter school?
No, Pinnacle Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pinnacle Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Pinnacle Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pinnacle Elementary School?
98.7% of students at Pinnacle Elementary 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 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Rutherfordton). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 227
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 15
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Rutherford County
- Phone
- (828) 287-3440
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Rutherford County Schools- District Enrollment
- 7,409
- Schools in District
- 18
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,515
- District Rank
- #7 of 18
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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