Summary:
Zip code 28101 contains exactly one public school: McAdenville Elementary, a K-5 elementary school in McAdenville, NC, serving 190 students as part of Gaston County Schools. The school is a standout performer despite serving a student population where 98.42% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Its statewide ranking has improved sharply over three years, climbing from the 61st percentile in 2023-2024 to the 76th percentile in 2024-2025, and reaching the 86th percentile with a 4-star rating in 2025-2026. This is especially notable because Gaston County Schools as a whole ranks only in the 41st percentile of North Carolina districts.
Academically, McAdenville Elementary consistently outperforms both district and state averages. On 2025-2026 EOG tests, math proficiency ranges from 79.3% to 86.7% across grades 3 through 5, well above the state average of roughly 61% to 66%. Fifth-grade science is a particular strength at 89.7% proficiency, more than 20 points above the state average. Reading results are also strong relative to the district, with fourth and fifth grade scoring 73.3% and 72.4% respectively. However, third-grade reading at 56.3% is the school's weakest area and sits barely above the state average, making early literacy a potential focus for improvement.
Chronic absenteeism at McAdenville Elementary is just 10.4%, less than half the district rate of 23.2% and the state rate of 24.2%, which likely supports consistent learning. Because the school is small, test scores can swing noticeably from year to year as individual grade-level cohorts change; for example, third-grade math was 100% proficient in 2024-2025. Families should also note that 28101 contains no middle or high schools, so students in this community will need to attend secondary schools outside the immediate zip code within Gaston County Schools.
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