The top reported proficiency rate is 53% in Social studies. The lowest is 32% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Sharps Chapel Elementary
Sharps Chapel Elementary serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in a small, unincorporated rural community that sits on a peninsula surrounded by Norris Lake in northernmost Union County. The school is a regular public elementary operated by Union County Schools, and its setting is defined by the lake and the surrounding Chuck Swan State Forest rather than any traditional town center. With a total enrollment around that of a small elementary, the school offers a close-knit environment where most families in the community know one another.
On state assessments, the school’s proficiency rates across tested subjects in grades three through five present a mixed picture. In math and English language arts, a modest share of students reached the proficient or above level. Science performance was higher, with a larger share of students meeting the bar. The most recent social studies data available is from several years ago and involved a different test format, so a current picture for that subject is not meaningful. The school’s participation rates on all assessments were high, meaning the results reflect nearly all eligible students. Because the school does not serve grades beyond five, there is no graduation rate to consider, and the small testing cohort means year-to-year fluctuations can be expected.
The student body is almost entirely white, reflective of the surrounding community. Information on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, receive special education services, or are classified as English learners was not available in the data provided. Families who want a clear sense of the school’s support services for students with additional needs may wish to ask the school directly.
Housing in the area has a typical value well above the national median, with a modest year-over-year increase. The community’s housing stock consists largely of lakefront properties and subdivisions along Norris Lake, contributing to a market that favors those seeking a recreational or second-home setting. The area has limited commercial development, and the school itself sits within the dispersed rural landscape. A post office, a marina and campground, and the state forest administrative office are among the few civic and recreational anchors. No public library or public transit system is documented in publicly available sources.
Growth in Sharps Chapel has been shaped by the creation of Norris Lake in the 1930s and subsequent waterfront residential development. The county has pursued efforts to bring fiber broadband to the community, which may signal ongoing investment, but no major new housing or commercial projects are specifically documented in the available information.
Because the school is the only elementary serving this part of Union County, there is no direct comparison to other schools within the county for metrics like proficiency or attendance. The data provides a single snapshot, not a rank.
Sharps Chapel Elementary fits families who want a small, rural elementary school with strong ties to the lake and outdoors. The school’s academic results suggest room for growth in math and reading, and science stands out as a relative strength. Parents considering this school should be aware that information on student economic circumstances and special programs is sparse, and they will want to follow up directly with the school to understand what supports are available. For a family already living in this quiet, lake-oriented community, the school is the natural neighborhood option. For those moving into the area, the broader county district and the limited commercial services nearby are important context.
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