Polo Ridge Elementary scored 98.07 out of 100 in the 2027 U.S. News Best Elementary Schools rankings, placing it No. 30 among 1,505 ranked North Carolina elementary schools.
The rankings, published Oct. 20, evaluated nearly 47,000 elementary schools nationwide based on 2023-2024 state assessment data. Three other Ballantyne-area Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) campuses also placed in the rankings, though none matched Polo Ridge's position.
At Polo Ridge, 89% of students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 79% in reading, according to the school's U.S. News profile. Both figures topped the CMS district averages of 56% in math and 46% in reading. The school earned "well above expectations" marks in both math and reading performance. The U.S. News profile lists 634 students at Polo Ridge in pre-K through fifth grade with 37 full-time teachers and a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Elon Park Elementary placed next among local schools at No. 38 statewide, scoring 97.54 out of 100. Its students posted 87% math proficiency and 81% reading proficiency. Hawk Ridge Elementary followed at No. 61 with a score of 96.01, where 86% of students were proficient in math and 77% in reading.
Endhaven Elementary landed at No. 467 with a 69.02 score. Its proficiency rates were 67% in math and 61% in reading.
The U.S. News methodology weights four factors equally at 25% each: math proficiency, math performance, reading proficiency and reading performance. Half the formula measures raw test scores. The other half factors in socioeconomic demographics, meaning schools that perform well relative to their student population receive credit.
Schools are ranked at the state and district levels only. There is no national ranking.
North Carolina's top 10 elementary schools
- Lincoln Academy, Greensboro (grades 4-8)
- Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Charlotte (K-8 charter)
- White Oak Elementary, Apex
- Quest Academy, Raleigh (K-8)
- Highcroft Elementary, Cary
- Wesley Chapel Elementary, Monroe
- Masonboro Elementary, Wilmington
- Rea View Elementary, Waxhaw
- Ogden Elementary, Wilmington
- Sandy Ridge Elementary, Waxhaw
Full school profiles and rankings are available on the U.S. News K-12 directory.
