Foothills Review

There were 2,012 students enrolled in Polk County Schools in the 2023-24 school year, 1.1% less than the previous year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Polk County Schools roughly covers seven schools within Polk County and has a main office in Columbus.

Among the seven schools in Polk County Schools, Polk County High School recorded the highest enrollment of 571 students in the 2023-24 school year.

Despite boasting a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:15, surpassing the national average, North Carolina's public schools face a significant funding gap. The state's per-student expenditure of $10,519 falls considerably short of the national average of $14,295.

North Carolina's public schools faced a staggering 58.4% surge in vacant teaching positions in the 2021-22 school year, leaving over 5,000 classrooms without qualified instructors.

North Carolina's public schools are facing a significant funding gap, with a per-student expenditure of $10,519 — well below the national average of $14,295.

This financial strain is further compounded by a significant challenge in staffing with a staggering 58.4% surge in vacant teaching positions in the 2021-22 school year, leaving over 5,000 classrooms without qualified instructors.

School	Total Enrollment
Polk County High School	571
Polk County Middle School	472
Polk Central Elementary School	340
Tryon Elementary School	336
Saluda Elementary School	128
Sunny View Elementary School	111
Polk County Early College	54