The top reported proficiency rate is 48% in Science. The lowest is 43% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Manchester Elementary
Manchester Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade in Spring Lake, a small military-oriented town adjacent to Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty. The school currently serves a student body that is economically disadvantaged, with the vast majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The enrollment is small to moderate for an elementary school of its grade span. The student population is racially and ethnically diverse, with Black students representing the largest share, followed by Hispanic students, white students, and students of two or more races. Data on English learners and special education enrollment was not available.
On state testing, Manchester Elementary's performance falls below the midpoint. In math and English language arts, the school's proficiency rates on the End-of-Grade Tests are in the low-to-mid range, with slightly better results in science. These results reflect a student population facing significant economic headwinds. The school tested a moderate number of students in reading and math; fewer students were assessed in science, which reflects that science testing occurs at select grade levels.
The immediate context matters substantially. Spring Lake itself is a car-dependent town shaped by its proximity to the Army installation, with a median household income well below the national average and an elevated poverty rate. The housing market in the zip code is modestly priced relative to state and national benchmarks, and rents have risen moderately. The town's economy depends heavily on military employment and service-sector work. Residents drive distances to access substantial shopping and dining, and the commercial landscape is oriented toward military families.
This environment has shifted significantly for families with school-age children. In 2026, the Cumberland County Board of Education voted to close Manchester Elementary and reassign students for the next school year. This closure is part of a sweeping district-wide consolidation plan triggered by a facilities assessment that identified substantial repair needs across the district's buildings. The board is also implementing calendar changes and relocations at other schools. For families considering Spring Lake or already living there, this means attendance boundaries and school assignments are in flux. A parent may want to confirm current assignment information and planned transitions with the district directly, as the closure affects where Manchester's current students will enroll going forward.
Beyond immediate academic performance, the broader district context includes a structural budget deficit that emerged after pandemic relief funding ended, with the system drawing from reserves to cover ongoing expenses including staffing. This fiscal pressure underlies the consolidation decisions and may affect class sizes and program availability district-wide. Additionally, high school students who reside on Fort Bragg now have access to any of the district's ten comprehensive high schools starting in the 2026-27 school year, expanding choice for military families, though transportation support has not expanded with the new option.
For families living in Spring Lake or considering a move there, Manchester Elementary's closure is a watershed event that reshapes the school landscape. The combination of low test results, high poverty concentration, and now the pending closure makes this school no longer an option for new enrollment. Families should work with the district to understand where their children would be reassigned and what that means for their daily routines and school community.
See more original research from School Decision →