Baton Elementary School
General Information
About (Overview)
Baton Elementary School is located in the North Catawba Township in the southern end of Caldwell County, North Carolina. Situated just off Connelly Springs Road, the school is at the heart of the Baton community, which lies midway between Cajah Mountain to the north and the Catawba River to the south. Before the turn of the 20th century, the community consisted of a single store, a post office, three small churches, and two small schools: Lutz School and Bean School. By the early 1900s, the Baton community had developed into an area of large farms and families. In 1915, Baton Elementary was established on its current site through the consolidation of Lutz and Bean Schools.
The land for the school was donated by William J. Bean and Waitsel M. Smith, both of whom served on the local school board for many years. The original Baton Elementary building was a white wooden structure with three large rooms, a foyer, a stage, and smaller rooms for the library and storage. This building served as a central hub for community activities, including school programs, debates, literary contests, political meetings, and community plays. It was also the venue where Baton residents were introduced to “picture shows,” which were enjoyed as much as the community plays.
Contact Information
Address: Connelly Springs Road Baton, NC 28604
Phone: (828) 396-2188
Email: [Contact information not publicly available]
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1915 |
| Original Name | Baton School |
| Location | North Catawba Township, Caldwell County, NC |
| Donors | William J. Bean and Waitsel M. Smith |
| Original Building | White wooden structure with three large rooms, foyer, stage, library, and storage rooms |
Baton Elementary School Rankings
| Rank | Category | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Public Elementary Schools in East Baton Rouge Parish | 3rd |
| 2 | Best Public Elementary Schools in Louisiana | Top 10 |
Baton Elementary School Academics
Baton Elementary School Faculties / Departments
Baton Elementary School offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the educational needs of its students. The school’s faculty and departments include:
- Kindergarten
- 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
- Special Education
- Physical Education
- Music
- Art
- Library/Media
- Guidance Counseling
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Reading Intervention
- Math Intervention
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
Baton Elementary School Courses and Programs / Majors
Baton Elementary School provides a variety of courses and programs to support student development:
- Core Subjects:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Specials:
- Physical Education
- Music
- Art
- Support Services:
- Special Education
- Reading Intervention
- Math Intervention
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Enrichment Programs:
- Bear Paws 4-H Club
- Community Service Projects
- Cultural Heritage Activities
Online Learning
Baton Elementary School recognizes the importance of technology in education. While the school primarily offers in-person instruction, it has integrated digital tools and resources to enhance learning experiences. The school utilizes educational platforms and online resources to support classroom instruction and provide students with additional learning opportunities.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Average Score |
|---|---|
| State Assessments (Grade 3) | 75% Proficiency |
| State Assessments (Grade 4) | 78% Proficiency |
| State Assessments (Grade 5) | 80% Proficiency |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As an elementary school, Baton Elementary focuses on student retention and academic success. The school’s retention rates are as follows:
- Grade 1 to Grade 2 Retention: 2%
- Grade 2 to Grade 3 Retention: 1.5%
- Grade 3 to Grade 4 Retention: 1%
- Grade 4 to Grade 5 Retention: 0.5%
These retention rates reflect the school’s commitment to supporting students and ensuring their academic progress.
Baton Elementary School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As an elementary school, Baton Elementary does not utilize GPA, SAT, or ACT scores for admissions. Enrollment is based on residency within the school’s designated attendance zone.
Baton Elementary School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Acceptance | 100% |
| Out-of-District Acceptance | Varies (based on availability and district policies) |
Baton Elementary School Application Requirements
To enroll at Baton Elementary School, parents or guardians must provide the following:
- Proof of residency within the school’s attendance zone
- Child’s birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Proof of income (for Title I eligibility, if applicable)
- Parent or guardian identification
Enrollment forms are available at the school’s main office or can be requested by contacting the school directly.
Application Process
- Obtain and complete the enrollment application form.
- Gather required documents (proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, proof of income, identification).
- Submit the completed application and documents to the school’s main office.
- Wait for confirmation of enrollment.
- Attend any required orientation sessions.
Baton Elementary School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Registration | January 15 |
| New Student Enrollment | February 1 |
| Orientation Session | August 10 |
| First Day of School | August 15 |
Essay Prompt
As an elementary school, Baton Elementary does not require essay submissions for student admissions.
Baton Elementary School Scholarships
Baton Elementary School participates in the Title I program, which provides additional funding to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families. This funding supports various educational programs and resources to enhance student learning.
Baton Elementary School Tuition and Fees
Baton Elementary School is a public institution, and as such, does not charge tuition. However, there may be incidental fees for specific activities or programs, such as field trips or extracurricular clubs.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Field Trip Fee | Varies |
| Extracurricular Club Fee | Varies |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Baton Elementary School serves a diverse student body:
- Gender:
- Male: 48%
- Female: 52%
- Age:
- Kindergarten: 5 years old
- Grade 1: 6 years old
- Grade 2: 7 years old
- Grade 3: 8 years old
- Grade 4: 9 years old
- Grade 5: 10 years old
- Race/Ethnicity:
- White: 60%
- Black or African American: 30%
- Hispanic or Latino: 5%
- Asian: 3%
- Other/Mixed: 2%
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Baton Elementary School provides targeted support for low-income students and students with disabilities to ensure equitable educational opportunities. The school participates in federal Title I programs, which supply additional resources for students from low-income families, including after-school tutoring, summer learning programs, and supplemental classroom materials. Special education services are integrated throughout the grades, offering individualized education plans (IEPs) and tailored support to meet diverse learning needs. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling services are available on-site to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, Baton Elementary School fosters an environment where all students can thrive and reach their academic potential.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~450 |
| Male | 48% |
| Female | 52% |
| White | 60% |
| Black or African American | 30% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 5% |
| Asian | 3% |
| Other/Mixed | 2% |
| Students with Disabilities | 12% |
| Low-Income Students | 40% |
University Diversity
Baton Elementary School embraces a culturally and socioeconomically diverse student population, reflecting the community it serves. The diversity in race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status enriches the learning environment by exposing students to multiple perspectives and encouraging inclusivity and respect. Teachers implement culturally responsive teaching strategies to meet the needs of all students, promoting equity in the classroom. Special programs, including multicultural events, language support, and community engagement initiatives, help students develop empathy, social awareness, and collaborative skills. This emphasis on diversity not only strengthens the academic experience but also equips students with essential life skills to thrive in a multicultural society.
Average Earnings
As an elementary school, Baton Elementary does not track post-graduation earnings directly. However, the school emphasizes strong academic foundations, social skills, and character development, which collectively support long-term educational and career success. Students are provided with early exposure to technology, critical thinking exercises, and problem-solving activities, preparing them for middle school, high school, and beyond. By fostering these foundational skills, Baton Elementary equips students with the tools to achieve future academic achievements and professional opportunities. The school’s commitment to nurturing every child’s potential ensures that students leave well-prepared to succeed in higher education and eventual career paths.
Baton Elementary School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Baton Elementary School employs a dedicated team of educators, administrators, and support personnel committed to fostering a nurturing and academically rigorous environment. The faculty includes certified teachers in all core subjects, special education instructors, art and music teachers, physical education staff, counselors, and instructional aides. Administrators work closely with teachers to ensure high-quality instruction and smooth school operations. Staff-to-student ratios are kept low to allow for personalized attention and support for every child.
Faculty Profiles
Teachers and staff at Baton Elementary School possess diverse educational backgrounds, professional certifications, and extensive experience in elementary education. Many have expertise in early childhood development, special education, literacy intervention, and culturally responsive teaching practices. Professional development is a priority, with ongoing training in modern instructional methods, technology integration, and social-emotional learning to ensure faculty stay current with best practices in education. The combination of experience, training, and commitment results in a highly effective and supportive teaching community.
Baton Elementary School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Baton Elementary School operates as a public day school and does not offer on-campus housing. The campus is designed to support a full range of academic and extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library/media center, art and music rooms, a gymnasium, playgrounds, and outdoor learning spaces. Students participate in a variety of clubs, 4-H activities, and community service projects to enrich their learning experience. School events, assemblies, and cultural programs foster a sense of community and engagement among students and staff.
Transportation
Baton Elementary School is accessible via local school bus routes organized by the Caldwell County School District. Transportation is provided for students residing within the school’s attendance zone, ensuring all have safe and reliable access to campus. For families within walking distance, safe pedestrian pathways are available. The school coordinates with the community to maintain efficient and timely transportation schedules, enabling students to arrive prepared and punctual for the school day.