For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,508 students in Polk County, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NC are Saluda Elementary School, Tryon Elementary School and Polk Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% 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 Polk County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Saluda Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
214 E Main Street
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Gr: PK-5 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Tryon Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 School Place
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6584
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6584
Gr: PK-5 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Polk Central Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2141 South Nc9 Hwy
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-8233
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-8233
Gr: PK-5 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Polk County Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
321 Wolverine Trail
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-2215
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-2215
Gr: 6-8 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Sunny View Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
86 Sunny View School Road
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-1050
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-1050
Gr: PK-5 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
373 Harmon Field Rd
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6636
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6636
Gr: 6-8 | 236 students Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NC include Saluda Elementary School, Tryon Elementary School and Polk Central Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Polk County?
5 public elementary schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 23% 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 Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Polk County include: Sunny View Elementary School vs. Polk Central Elementary School, Saluda Elementary School vs. Tryon Elementary School, Polk Central Elementary School vs. Tryon Elementary School
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