Summary:
In the Old Main Stream area of Pembroke, NC, there is currently just one school serving students—Old Main STREAM Academy, a K–8 elementary/middle school within the Old Main Stream district. That district is remarkably strong, ranking 22nd out of 246 districts statewide (91st percentile) with a 5-star rating, and Old Main STREAM Academy itself is a rapidly improving school that now sits at 266th out of 1,492 North Carolina schools—up from 488th just two years ago.
For parents, the most important story is how well this school performs despite serving a student population where 99.31% qualify for free/reduced lunch. The school excels in math and science: every tested grade is well above state averages in math, and 5th and 8th grade science proficiency rates are roughly 15–17 points higher than the state. Reading is the relative weak spot, though still mostly above state averages, with one notable exception—5th grade reading is essentially at the state level. That said, 3rd and 4th grade reading proficiency jumped by roughly 14–15 points year over year, which suggests strong early literacy gains. The school also benefits from a low 13.5:1 student–teacher ratio and a chronic absenteeism rate of 12.9%, about half the statewide rate of 24.2%. Those factors likely contribute to the school’s ability to keep students engaged and learning.
The one clear red flag is 7th grade reading: it dropped from 75.6% to 56.5% in a single year, turning an earlier strength into an area that needs close monitoring. Still, the overall trajectory is very positive—the school has moved from a 3-star to a 4-star rating while climbing nearly 220 spots in the state ranking. With exceptional science scores, strong math outcomes, high attendance, and small class sizes, Old Main STREAM Academy proves that high poverty does not have to mean low achievement. For parents looking at this area, this is a standout school model worth watching closely, especially if reading improvements continue and the 7th grade dip proves to be a temporary cohort effect.
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