For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 2,969 students in Cornelius, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cornelius, NC are Bailey Middle School, J.v. Washam Elementary School and Cornelius Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cornelius, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 78% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Cornelius have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Cornelius, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bailey Middle School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11900 Bailey Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1068
Gr: 6-8 | 1,325 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
J.v. Washam Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9611 Westmoreland Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-1071
Gr: K-5 | 810 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Cornelius Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21126 Catawba Ave
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 343-3905
Gr: K-5 | 556 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Lakeside Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
17609 Old Statesville Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9500
Gr: K-8 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Cornelius, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cornelius, NC include Bailey Middle School, J.v. Washam Elementary School and Cornelius Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Cornelius?
4 public elementary schools are located in Cornelius.
What is the racial composition of students in Cornelius?
Cornelius public elementary schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Cornelius are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Cornelius include: Cornelius Elementary School vs. J.v. Washam Elementary School, J.v. Washam Elementary School vs. Cornelius Elementary School
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.