Serving 480 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, L J Bell Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 480 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
L J Bell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
L J Bell Elementary School's student population of 480 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
480 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Campus Size
50
School Mascot
Wild Boars
School Rankings
L J Bell Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of L J Bell Elementary School is 0.68, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1582 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)49%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
10%
21%
Black
38%
25%
White
41%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L J Bell Elementary School's ranking?
L J Bell Elementary School is ranked #1582 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend L J Bell Elementary School?
480 students attend L J Bell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of L J Bell Elementary School students are White, 38% of students are Black, 10% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of L J Bell Elementary School?
L J Bell Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does L J Bell Elementary School offer ?
L J Bell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is L J Bell Elementary School part of?
L J Bell Elementary School is part of Richmond County Schools School District.
School Reviews
Review L J Bell Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
