Excellent
#53 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 2% in state
Saluda Elementary School
Elementary School · Polk County Schools
214 E Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773
Enrollment
145
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
9.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
145
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
9.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#53 of 2,648
In district
#2 of 7
Polk County Schools
Equity
9.9 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Saluda Elementary School?
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.
Saluda Elementary School
Elementary School in Saluda · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Upward Elementary
4.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Upward Adventist School
5.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Saluda Elementary School
Saluda Elementary School is a public elementary school in Saluda, NC, part of Polk County Schools. Saluda Elementary School serves approximately 145 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 9.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Saluda Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 out of 10 and ranks #53 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Saluda Elementary School show 78% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 9.1 · Excellent
- District avg 7.8
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
At 145 students, Saluda Elementary School 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.
At 9.1:1 students to teachers, Saluda Elementary School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.
Saluda Elementary School 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
Saluda Elementary School — Students at Saluda Elementary School score 85% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.9%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 8.5/10.
How Saluda Elementary School Compares
See how Saluda Elementary School 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
214 E Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Saluda Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. IMMACULATA CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Hendersonville), a more accessible option. Another option is Bruce Drysdale Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Hendersonville), a more accessible option. Additionally, Tryon Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 5.9 miles away, in nearby Tryon), a more accessible option. For more schools in Saluda, see our Saluda schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Upward Elementary Flat Rock | 4.9 mi | 4.5 |
| UPWARD ADVENTIST SCHOOL Flat Rock | 5.0 mi | — |
| Hillandale Elementary East Flat Rock | 5.3 mi | 5.4 |
| Flat Rock Middle East Flat Rock | 5.4 mi | 3.6 |
| East Henderson High East Flat Rock | 6.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Henderson County Career Academy Flat Rock | 6.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Henderson County Early College Flat Rock | 6.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Tryon Elementary School Tryon | 5.9 mi | 7.6 |
| LAKE HOUSE ACADEMY Flat Rock | 6.2 mi | — |
| Dana Elementary Hendersonville | 7.2 mi | 3.1 |
| THE WAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hendersonville | 7.0 mi | 3.9 |
| Sugarloaf Elementary Hendersonville | 7.8 mi | 5.1 |
| MUD CREEK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hendersonville | 7.1 mi | — |
| The Mountain Community Sch Hendersonville | 7.6 mi | 7.2 |
| HOPE ACADEMY Landrum | 9.4 mi | 8.2 |
| Edneyville Elementary Hendersonville | 9.6 mi | 5.1 |
| FAITH-COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hendersonville | 8.5 mi | — |
| Bruce Drysdale Elementary Hendersonville | 8.8 mi | 7.7 |
| IMMACULATA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Hendersonville | 8.8 mi | 8.0 |
| North Henderson High Hendersonville | 9.6 mi | 7.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28773 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$80,625
Median Home Value
$359,900
Median Rent
$1,243/mo
Population
3,198
College Educated
37.2%
Homeownership
87.6%
Avg Commute
26.7 min
Poverty Rate
16.1%
Median Age
54.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Pollocksville Elementary Pollocksville, NC | 9.1 |
| Quest Academy Raleigh, NC | 9.1 |
| Peachtree Elementary Murphy, NC | 9.0 |
| Riverbend Elementary Clyde, NC | 9.0 |
| Atlantic Elementary Atlantic, NC | 8.9 |
| Bennett School Bennett, NC | 8.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Saluda Elementary School
What grades does Saluda Elementary School serve?
Saluda Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Saluda Elementary School?
Saluda Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 145 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Saluda Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Saluda Elementary School is 9.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Saluda Elementary School rank in NC?
Saluda Elementary School ranks #53 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Saluda Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Saluda Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 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 Saluda Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Saluda Elementary School has 78% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Saluda Elementary School a charter school?
No, Saluda Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Saluda Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Saluda Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Saluda Elementary School?
97.9% of students at Saluda 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 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 145
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 22.8%
- Phone
- (828) 894-1040
Resources & Links
District
Polk County Schools- District Enrollment
- 2,156
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,041
- District Rank
- #2 of 7
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 rateRelated 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.