Serving 265 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Y E Smith 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 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (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 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 265 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Y E Smith 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
Y E Smith Elementary School's student population of 265 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
265 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Every scholar, every day, thriving in every way.
School Rankings
Y E Smith 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 Y E Smith Elementary School is 0.59, 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
#2458 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)20-24%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
51%
21%
Black
39%
25%
White
3%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
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)
5%
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 Y E Smith Elementary School's ranking?
Y E Smith Elementary School is ranked #2458 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Y E Smith Elementary School often compared to?
Y E Smith Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like W G Pearson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Y E Smith Elementary School?
265 students attend Y E Smith Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Y E Smith Elementary School students are Hispanic, 39% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are White, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Y E Smith Elementary School?
Y E Smith Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Y E Smith Elementary School offer ?
Y E Smith Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Y E Smith Elementary School part of?
Y E Smith Elementary School is part of Durham School District.
In what neighborhood is Y E Smith Elementary School located?
Y E Smith Elementary School is located in the Y E Smith neighborhood of Durham, NC. There are 1 other public schools located in Y E Smith.
School Reviews
Review Y E Smith 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.
