Serving 348 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, W G Pearson Elementary School 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 30-34% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 348 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
W G Pearson Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
W G Pearson Elementary School's student population of 348 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
348 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Calendar
School Mascot
Tigers
School Rankings
W G Pearson Elementary School 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 W G Pearson Elementary School is 0.56, 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
#2163 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)30-34%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
29%
21%
Black
59%
25%
White
2%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W G Pearson Elementary School's ranking?
W G Pearson Elementary School is ranked #2163 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are W G Pearson Elementary School often compared to?
W G Pearson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like R N Harris Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend W G Pearson Elementary School?
348 students attend W G Pearson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of W G Pearson Elementary School students are Black, 29% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of W G Pearson Elementary School?
W G Pearson Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does W G Pearson Elementary School offer ?
W G Pearson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is W G Pearson Elementary School part of?
W G Pearson Elementary School is part of Durham School District.
School Reviews
Review W G Pearson 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

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.