Summary:
ZIP code 27563 in Norlina, NC, is served by a single public elementary school, Northside Elementary, which enrolls 277 students in grades PK–5 and is part of Warren County Schools.
Because this area contains just one school, all comparisons are made against the district and state rather than against neighboring schools. Northside Elementary has shown strong positive momentum, moving from the 3rd percentile statewide in 2023–2024 to the 23rd percentile in 2025–2026, and earning a 1-star rating. The most notable bright spot is 4th grade reading, where 61.4% of students are proficient—above both the district (54.4%) and the state (57.7%). The same grade also exceeds the district in math (56.8% vs. 52.6%). Nearly 99% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, making this achievement especially noteworthy. However, chronic absenteeism is a major concern: 47.4% of students are chronically absent, about double the state rate of 24.2%. This likely contributes to the school’s overall low proficiency levels.
Looking at 2025–2026 test results, the weakest subject is 5th grade science, where only 31.4% of students are proficient versus 67.7% statewide. Math and reading proficiency in 3rd and 5th grades also trail state averages by significant margins. The school has made dramatic year-over-year gains, especially in 4th grade reading (+30.4 points) and 4th grade math (+25.8 points), as well as 5th grade math (+16.6 points) and science (+12.3 points). Still, small cohort sizes mean these swings may not be stable. For families, Northside Elementary offers clear signs of improvement and a dedicated staff, but parents should weigh the high absenteeism and persistent achievement gaps. Since no middle or high school exists within the ZIP code, families will need to look to nearby areas for education beyond 5th grade.
Thank you for your feedback!