Average
#1489 of 2,648 schools in NC
Union Elementary
Elementary School · Cleveland County Schools
1440 Union Church Road, Shelby, NC 28150
Enrollment
424
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
424
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,489 of 2,648
In Shelby
#10 of 17
public schools
In district
#18 of 28
Cleveland County Schools
Equity
8.6 / 10
Excellent
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Union Elementary
Elementary School in Shelby · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Burns Middle
5.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Burns High
5.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Union Elementary
Union Elementary is a public elementary school in Shelby, NC, part of Cleveland County Schools. Union Elementary serves approximately 424 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Union Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,489 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Union Elementary show 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.0 · Average
- District avg 6.3
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Union 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
Union Elementary — Students at Union Elementary score 58% 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: 4.4/10.
How Union Elementary Compares
See how Union 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
1440 Union Church Road, Shelby, NC 28150
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Union Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Casar Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Casar), which scores notably higher. Another option is Springmore Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 8.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Boiling Springs Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 10.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Shelby, see our Shelby schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Burns Middle Lawndale | 5.1 mi | 6.7 |
| Burns High Lawndale | 5.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Crest Middle Shelby | 7.8 mi | 7.0 |
| Crest High Shelby | 8.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Casar Elementary Casar | 8.1 mi | 8.5 |
| Turning Point Academy Shelby | 7.9 mi | 3.9 |
| Cleveland Innovation Shelby | 7.9 mi | 7.0 |
| Springmore Elementary Shelby | 8.3 mi | 8.5 |
| Fallston Elementary Fallston | 7.2 mi | 6.6 |
| CHARITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lawndale | 7.5 mi | 4.8 |
| James Love Elementary Shelby | 9.0 mi | 4.7 |
| North Shelby Shelby | 9.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Jefferson Elementary Shelby | 8.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Shelby High Shelby | 9.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Shelby Middle Shelby | 9.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Boiling Springs Elementary Shelby | 10.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Ellenboro Elementary School Ellenboro | 9.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Elizabeth Elementary Shelby | 10.3 mi | 3.9 |
| Cleveland ECHS Shelby | 10.4 mi | 8.5 |
| Pinnacle Classical Academy Shelby | 11.7 mi | 6.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28150 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$53,027
Median Home Value
$195,600
Median Rent
$793/mo
Population
26,447
College Educated
24.4%
Homeownership
68.3%
Avg Commute
24.2 min
Poverty Rate
18%
Median Age
47.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Archer Elementary Greensboro, NC | 6.0 |
| Baton Elementary Granite Falls, NC | 6.0 |
| C. G. Credle Elementary Oxford, NC | 6.0 |
| Cash Elementary Kernersville, NC | 6.0 |
| Ceasar Cone Elementary Greensboro, NC | 6.0 |
| Green Valley Elementary Boone, NC | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Union Elementary
What grades does Union Elementary serve?
Union Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Union Elementary?
Union Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 424 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Union Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Union Elementary is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Union Elementary rank in NC?
Union Elementary ranks #1,489 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Union Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Union Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 Union Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Union Elementary has 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Union Elementary a charter school?
No, Union Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Union Elementary a Title I school?
No, Union Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Union Elementary?
99.3% of students at Union 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
- 424
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Cleveland County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 26.9%
- Phone
- (704) 476-8250
Resources & Links
District
Cleveland County Schools- District Enrollment
- 14,458
- Schools in District
- 28
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,540
- District Rank
- #18 of 28
Other Schools in This District
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