Summary:
Only one elementary school serves families in ZIP code 28461: Southport Elementary, located in Southport, NC, serving grades K–5 with 413 students within the Brunswick County Schools district. As the sole elementary option in this area, the school is best understood through its comparison to district and state benchmarks rather than another local school.
Southport Elementary stands out for its strong upper-elementary results. In the 2025–2026 school year, 5th graders exceeded both the district and state averages in math (73.8%), reading (67.2%), and science (78.7%). Science proficiency was particularly strong, at nearly 79% compared to roughly 73% across the district and 68% across the state. The school's state ranking improved from the 57th percentile in 2024–2025 to the 65th percentile in 2025–2026, though it remains below its 79th-percentile, 4-star showing from 2023–2024. These achievements are especially notable given that nearly all students (99%) qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Performance fluctuates by grade and subject, which parents may want to monitor. While 5th grade proficiency rose dramatically year over year—jumping more than 20 points in math and science and nearly 17 points in reading—4th grade reading fell by nearly 20 points. Early-grade reading is a relative weak spot, with 3rd and 4th grade reading falling below district and state averages in the most recent year, though by 5th grade reading outpaced both. Chronic absenteeism, at 21.4%, is high in absolute terms but lower than the district (24.5%) and state (24.2%) averages. Overall, Southport Elementary demonstrates that a high-poverty school can achieve strong academic results in the upper grades, while lower-grade reading and year-to-year consistency remain key areas to watch.
Thank you for your feedback!