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Below Average

#2430 of 2,648 schools in NC

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

School · Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

2527 US 221A Hwy, Mooresboro, NC 28114

Charter

Enrollment

1,428

Student-Teacher

20.7:1

Score

4.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#103 of 120

About Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy serves 1,428 students in grades K-12 as a charter school in Mooresboro, North Carolina. With 69 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 20.7:1 student-teacher ratio while delivering strong academic results that place it in the 71st percentile statewide, ranking #766 out of 2,661 North Carolina schools. The school demonstrates impressive academic performance, with 75% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 73% meeting proficiency standards in mathematics.

These results contribute to the school's solid 8.9/10 academic score and overall 6.9/10 MySchoolScout rating, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence across all grade levels. As a charter school, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy offers families in Rutherford County an alternative public education option with the flexibility to implement specialized curriculum approaches. The school serves a diverse community where the median household income is $56,034 and median home values average $119,800, with a relatively low poverty rate of 9.1% among the area's 7,796 residents.

Located on US 221A Highway, the school sits in a rural setting near town, providing students with a quieter learning environment while maintaining access to broader community resources and opportunities.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is 20.7:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Located in a rural area, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.6Fair25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.09 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics4.5Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.6%
Reading/ELA Proficiency80.9%
Math vs. State Avg-42.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+27.3 pts
Overall Proficiency47%
Expected (poverty-adj.)74%
vs. Expected-26.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
College Readiness5.5Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation10.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,093

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy — Students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 70.7%
School
State
56.8%
ELA Proficiency 75.2%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 18 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
69%
ELA
76%
2021*
Math
78%
ELA
75%
2025
Math
69.9%
ELA
75.1%

* 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: 3.6/10.

How Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Compares

See how Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
8th percentile in NC
Academic
4.5/10
4.5/10
Growth
3.6/10
Below average
Environment
2.2/10
Below average

Location

2527 US 221A Hwy, Mooresboro, NC 28114

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Cliffside Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 2.4 miles away, in nearby Cliffside), which scores notably higher. Another option is Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Forest City), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Harris Elementary School (rated 8.9/10, 5.8 miles away, in nearby Forest City), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Mooresboro, see our Mooresboro schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Cliffside Elementary School Cliffside 2.4 mi 9.2
Chase Middle School Forest City 2.9 mi 7.0
Chase High School Forest City 3.1 mi 7.2
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School Forest City 3.7 mi 8.4
East Rutherford High School Forest City 4.8 mi 5.0
Ellenboro Elementary School Ellenboro 5.5 mi 8.6
GLENWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Bostic 5.3 mi
Rutherford Opportunity Center Forest City 5.2 mi 5.5
East Rutherford Middle School Bostic 6.4 mi 5.9
Harris Elementary School Forest City 5.8 mi 8.9
Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School Forest City 6.8 mi 9.1
Springmore Elementary Shelby 7.2 mi 8.3
Rutherford Early College High School Spindale 7.9 mi 5.5
WORD OF FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spindale 8.5 mi 7.5
Boiling Springs Elementary Shelby 8.3 mi 8.8
Chesnee Elementary Chesnee 10.0 mi 6.2
Chesnee Middle Chesnee 10.4 mi 6.8
Chesnee High Chesnee 10.4 mi 5.8
Spindale Elementary School Spindale 9.8 mi 7.6
Northwest Elementary Gaffney 11.9 mi 5.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28114 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$60,439

Median Home Value

$132,400

Median Rent

$707/mo

Population

7,568

College Educated

13.3%

Homeownership

72.6%

Avg Commute

26.7 min

Poverty Rate

7.3%

Median Age

41.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy has a median household income of $60,439. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $132,400, with a median rent of $707/month. The local poverty rate of 7.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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
NORTH RALEIGH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Raleigh, NC 4.1
Excelsior Classical Academy Durham, NC 4.0
METROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Indian Trail, NC 3.9
METROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Indian Trail, NC 4.3
IC Imagine Asheville, NC 4.4
Piedmont Community Charter School Gastonia, NC 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

What grades does Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy serve?

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy?

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy has an enrollment of approximately 1,428 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is 20.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy rank in NC?

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is ranked #2430 out of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy has a composite rating of 4.1 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 Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy has 70.7% math proficiency and 75.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy a charter school?

Yes, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy a Title I school?

No, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
16 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Elevated (793/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
1,428
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
69
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Rutherford County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
District Enrollment
1,428
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,605
District Rank
#1 of 1

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 methodology

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