Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 28650

Zip code 28650 in Maiden, North Carolina is home to two elementary schools—Maiden Elementary (PK–6) and Charles H Tuttle Elementary (K–6)—both part of Catawba County Schools and both serving student populations where nearly everyone (around 99%) qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. Despite that high-poverty context, Maiden Elementary stands out as the stronger school overall. In 2025–2026, Maiden earned a 4-star rating and ranked 398th out of 1,492 North Carolina elementary schools (73rd percentile), while Tuttle earned 3 stars and ranked 607th (59th percentile). Maiden has also been improving steadily over the past three years, whereas Tuttle’s ranking slipped from the 66th percentile in 2024–2025 to the 59th percentile in 2025–2026.

Maiden Elementary posts notably strong math results, with 2025–2026 average proficiency around 75% in math, far above state averages in every tested grade, and science proficiency at 78%. Reading proficiency averages about 59%, which is closer to state averages and a clear area to watch. Maiden also has a low chronic absenteeism rate of 12.8%, compared to 18.6% at Tuttle and 24.2% statewide. By contrast, Charles H Tuttle Elementary has a standout 4th grade cohort: its 4th grade math proficiency reached 75.0% and reading 69.6%, outperforming Maiden's 4th grade scores by roughly 7–9 percentage points. However, Tuttle’s performance is inconsistent across grades—3rd grade math was just 54.5% and 5th grade reading only 44.9%—which drags down its overall ranking.

For parents choosing between the two, Maiden Elementary offers the more consistent academic record, better attendance, and stronger upward momentum, making it the top option in the area. Tuttle is a solid school with bright spots, but may want to strengthen upper-grade reading and bring more consistency across grade levels. Notably, reading is the deeper challenge at both schools; several reading scores, especially in grades 5 and 6, fall below state averages even at high-performing Maiden. Since the two schools have similar resources, similar demographics, and the same district, school-level factors such as attendance culture and instructional focus likely explain much of the difference—and Maiden’s success in a high-poverty setting deserves attention.