Serving 610 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, South Topsail Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 74% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 63% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 610 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 74% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Topsail Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
South Topsail Elementary School's student population of 610 students has grown by 63% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has grown by 52% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
610 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
South Topsail Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Topsail Elementary School is 0.39, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#401 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
51%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
50%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
63%

Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1

American Indian
1%
1%

Asian
1%
4%

Hispanic
11%
21%

Black
3%
25%

White
77%
43%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%

All Ethnic Groups



Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
68%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Topsail Elementary School's ranking?
South Topsail Elementary School is ranked #401 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are South Topsail Elementary School often compared to?
South Topsail Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Topsail Annandale Elementary School, North Topsail Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend South Topsail Elementary School?
610 students attend South Topsail Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of South Topsail Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of South Topsail Elementary School?
South Topsail Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does South Topsail Elementary School offer ?
South Topsail Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is South Topsail Elementary School part of?
South Topsail Elementary School is part of Pender County Schools School District.
School Reviews
Review South Topsail Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.