Serving 74 students in grades 9-12, Tar River Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 74 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Tar River Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Tar River Academy's student population of 74 students has grown by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has declined by 40% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
74 students
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
School Rankings
Tar River Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Tar River Academy is 0.60, 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
#1847 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)21%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
20%
22%
Black
58%
24%
White
14%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)80-84%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Nash County School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tar River Academy's ranking?
Tar River Academy is ranked #1847 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Tar River Academy often compared to?
Tar River Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Rocky Mount Preparatory by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Tar River Academy?
The graduation rate of Tar River Academy is 80-84%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Tar River Academy?
74 students attend Tar River Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Tar River Academy students are Black, 20% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Tar River Academy?
Tar River Academy has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Tar River Academy offer ?
Tar River Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Tar River Academy part of?
Tar River Academy is part of Nash County School District.
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