Average
#1226 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 46% in state
Ray Childers Elementary
Elementary School · Burke County Schools
1183 Cape Hickory Road, Hickory, NC 28601
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
6.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
6.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,226 of 2,648
In Hickory
#9 of 17
public schools
In district
#14 of 26
Burke County Schools
Equity
9.2 / 10
Excellent
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Ray Childers Elementary
Elementary School in Hickory · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hildebran Elementary
2.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Reflections of Christ Christian Academy
2.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Ray Childers Elementary
Ray Childers Elementary is a public elementary school in Hickory, NC, part of Burke County Schools. Ray Childers Elementary serves approximately 447 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Ray Childers Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,226 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Ray Childers Elementary show 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.5 · Average
- District avg 6.4
- NC avg 6.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ray Childers Elementary — Students at Ray Childers Elementary score 63% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 36 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: 4.7/10.
How Ray Childers Elementary Compares
See how Ray Childers Elementary 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
1183 Cape Hickory Road, Hickory, NC 28601
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ray Childers Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Oakwood Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 4.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mountain View Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 6.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Granite Falls Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Granite Falls), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Hickory, see our Hickory schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hildebran Elementary Hildebran | 2.5 mi | 5.2 |
| REFLECTIONS OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hildebran | 2.7 mi | — |
| Icard Elementary Connelly Springs | 2.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Granite Falls Middle Granite Falls | 3.5 mi | 6.0 |
| East Burke Middle Connelly Springs | 3.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Granite Falls Elementary Granite Falls | 3.9 mi | 7.8 |
| Southwest Primary Hickory | 3.6 mi | 2.6 |
| East Burke High Connelly Springs | 3.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Longview Elementary Hickory | 4.3 mi | 6.7 |
| South Caldwell High Hudson | 5.1 mi | 6.8 |
| Sawmills Elementary Granite Falls | 5.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Oakwood Elementary Hickory | 4.8 mi | 8.3 |
| Viewmont Elementary Hickory | 5.0 mi | 3.6 |
| CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hickory | 5.3 mi | — |
| Hickory High Hickory | 5.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School Hickory | 5.5 mi | 8.7 |
| CHRIST CLASSICAL ACADEMY Connelly Springs | 5.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Mountain View Elementary Hickory | 6.5 mi | 8.3 |
| UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Hickory | 5.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Northview Middle Hickory | 5.9 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28601 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,839
Median Home Value
$236,100
Median Rent
$951/mo
Population
52,839
College Educated
34.7%
Homeownership
68.1%
Avg Commute
21.6 min
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Median Age
40.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| A H Snipes Academy of Arts/Des Wilmington, NC | 6.5 |
| ArtSpace Charter School Swannanoa, NC | 6.5 |
| Banoak Elementary Vale, NC | 6.5 |
| Benton Heights Elementary Monroe, NC | 6.5 |
| Candler Elementary Candler, NC | 6.5 |
| Chinquapin Elementary Chinquapin, NC | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ray Childers Elementary
What grades does Ray Childers Elementary serve?
Ray Childers Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Ray Childers Elementary?
Ray Childers Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 447 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ray Childers Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Ray Childers Elementary is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ray Childers Elementary rank in NC?
Ray Childers Elementary ranks #1,226 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Ray Childers Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Ray Childers Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 Ray Childers Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Ray Childers Elementary has 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Ray Childers Elementary a charter school?
No, Ray Childers Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ray Childers Elementary a Title I school?
No, Ray Childers Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ray Childers Elementary?
99.3% of students at Ray Childers 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 447
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Burke County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 17.9%
- Phone
- (828) 324-1340
Resources & Links
District
Burke County Schools- District Enrollment
- 11,690
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,261
- District Rank
- #14 of 26
Other Schools in This District
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