Summary:
Zip code 28521, serving the rural community of Chinquapin, NC, is home to a single school, Chinquapin Elementary, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade under the Duplin County Schools district.
Chinquapin Elementary is a school of stark contrasts, serving 537 students with an exceptionally high poverty rate of 99.44% as measured by free and reduced lunch eligibility. The school's performance is a mixed bag, with a notable "5th Grade Anomaly" where that class achieved 70.6% proficiency in math—nearly double the district average and well above the state average—and strong science scores. In contrast, the 4th grade class struggles significantly, with the school's lowest math proficiency at 31.7%. While the school consistently outperforms its low-ranked district in nearly every subject and grade level, it rarely meets state averages, highlighting its role as a relative bright spot in a challenging environment. The school's state ranking has also declined from the 62nd percentile to the 45th percentile over three years, a concerning trend despite higher-than-average per-student spending of $14,420.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Chinquapin Elementary offers a unique PK-8 structure that eliminates the need for a middle school transition until 9th grade. However, academic performance is inconsistent across grade levels, with some classes excelling and others falling behind. The school's high poverty rate presents significant challenges, yet its ability to produce standout cohorts like the 5th grade class suggests pockets of instructional strength. The declining state ranking warrants attention, but the school remains a district leader in a struggling system, making it a complex choice for families seeking stability and consistent academic growth.
Thank you for your feedback!