Serving 447 students in grades Kindergarten-5, First Ward Creative Arts Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 53% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 447 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 53% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
First Ward Creative Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
First Ward Creative Arts Academy's student population of 447 students has declined by 31% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
447 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
School Motto
Excellence without Exception
School Rankings
First Ward Creative Arts 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 First Ward Creative Arts Academy is 0.45, 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
#1465 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)53%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
14%
21%
Black
73%
25%
White
4%
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
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is First Ward Creative Arts Academy's ranking?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy is ranked #1465 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
53% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend First Ward Creative Arts Academy?
447 students attend First Ward Creative Arts Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of First Ward Creative Arts Academy students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of First Ward Creative Arts Academy?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does First Ward Creative Arts Academy offer ?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is First Ward Creative Arts Academy part of?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools School District.
In what neighborhood is First Ward Creative Arts Academy located?
First Ward Creative Arts Academy is located in the Charlotte center city neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 2 other public schools located in Charlotte center city.
School Reviews
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