Serving 608 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Mills River 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 65% (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 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 608 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 74% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mills River Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Mills River Elementary School's student population of 608 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
608 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Mills River 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 Mills River Elementary School is 0.31, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#362 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)74%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
12%
22%
Black
1%
24%
White
82%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mills River Elementary School's ranking?
Mills River Elementary School is ranked #362 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Mills River Elementary School often compared to?
Mills River Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Etowah Elementary School, Glenn C Marlow 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 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Mills River Elementary School?
608 students attend Mills River Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Mills River Elementary School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mills River Elementary School?
Mills River Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Mills River Elementary School offer ?
Mills River Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mills River Elementary School part of?
Mills River Elementary School is part of Henderson County Schools.
School Reviews
Review Mills River 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
