Below Average
#2291 of 2,648 schools in NC
Riverside Elementary
Elementary School · Avery County Schools
8020 US 19E Hwy South, Newland, NC 28657
Enrollment
108
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
108
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,291 of 2,648
In Newland
#4 of 4
public schools
In district
#8 of 8
Avery County Schools
School environment
9.8 / 10
Excellent
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Riverside Elementary
Elementary School in Newland · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Mayland Early College
3.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Bethel Christian Academy
3.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Riverside Elementary
Riverside Elementary is a public elementary school in Newland, NC, part of Avery County Schools. Riverside Elementary serves approximately 108 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Riverside Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,291 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Riverside Elementary show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.2 · Below Average
- District avg 6.8
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
At 108 students, Riverside Elementary is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Riverside 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Riverside Elementary — Students at Riverside Elementary score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.2%
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: 1.7/10.
How Riverside Elementary Compares
See how Riverside 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
8020 US 19E Hwy South, Newland, NC 28657
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Riverside Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Freedom Trail Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Elk Park), which scores notably higher. Another option is Greenlee Primary (rated 8.0/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cloudland Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 14.1 miles away, in nearby Roan Mountain), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Newland, see our Newland schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Mayland Early College Spruce Pine | 3.8 mi | 7.8 |
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spruce Pine | 3.8 mi | 7.0 |
| SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 5.7 mi | 5.7 |
| TRI-COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 6.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Marjorie Williams Academy Crossnore | 5.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Mitchell High Bakersville | 5.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Crossnore Elementary Crossnore | 5.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Harris Middle Spruce Pine | 6.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Deyton Elementary Spruce Pine | 6.7 mi | 5.1 |
| Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine | 7.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Avery County High Newland | 7.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Avery Middle Newland | 7.9 mi | 5.4 |
| Newland Elementary Newland | 8.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Gouge Elementary Bakersville | 7.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Bowman Middle Bakersville | 7.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Freedom Trail Elementary Elk Park | 11.2 mi | 8.3 |
| Cranberry Middle Elk Park | 11.2 mi | 8.5 |
| RAINBOW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Elk Park | 11.4 mi | — |
| North Cove Elementary School Marion | 13.9 mi | 4.5 |
| Cloudland Elementary School Roan Mountain | 14.1 mi | 7.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28657 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,371
Median Home Value
$223,600
Median Rent
$748/mo
Population
8,098
College Educated
24.8%
Homeownership
81.7%
Avg Commute
23.5 min
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Median Age
51.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Stoney Creek Elementary Reidsville, NC | 4.2 |
| Carver Elementary Henderson, NC | 4.3 |
| Mount Vernon Raleigh, NC | 4.3 |
| A SEA OF LEARNING Morehead City, NC | 4.1 |
| Creswell Elementary Creswell, NC | 4.1 |
| East Arcadia Elementary Riegelwood, NC | 4.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Riverside Elementary
What grades does Riverside Elementary serve?
Riverside Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Riverside Elementary?
Riverside Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 108 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Riverside Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Riverside Elementary is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Riverside Elementary rank in NC?
Riverside Elementary ranks #2,291 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Riverside Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Riverside Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Riverside Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Riverside Elementary has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Riverside Elementary a charter school?
No, Riverside Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Riverside Elementary a Title I school?
No, Riverside Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Riverside Elementary?
97.2% of students at Riverside 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 108
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Avery County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 17.6%
- Phone
- (828) 737-5600
Resources & Links
District
Avery County Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,856
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,513
- District Rank
- #8 of 8
Other Schools in This District
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