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Best Elementary Schools in winston salem, NC
(2026 List)

Moonpreneur’s rating is based primarily on the STEM performance of the School using the Math Score of the School. We also take into account the Student teacher ratio, the review and rating by others. Read more on how STEM ranking was calculated.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools—the fourth-largest district in North Carolina with ~55,000 students and over 51 elementary schools—continues accelerating recovery from pandemic learning loss in 2024–25. Notable progress includes 46.4% third-grade reading proficiency, the highest since COVID, and 61% of schools meeting or exceeding growth targets in reading, with 46 meeting math growth goals.WS/FCS was recently recognized for above-average recovery—over a half-grade level gain in both reading and math—among urban districts nationally. While roughly 35 schools remain labeled low-performing, 29 met growth targets, showing movement toward district-wide improvement.


Priority strategies include structured literacy, instructional coaching, tutoring, and restorative discipline through “deeper learning” initiatives. These efforts position WS/FCS on a path to equitable, sustained elementary progress. Winston-Salem has the best elementary schools in North Carolina.