J C Sawyer Elementary
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (252) 338-1012
Fax: (252) 338-2388
District: Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 399 students
J C Sawyer Elementary, a public school located in Elizabeth City, NC, serves grades K-5 in the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
J C Sawyer Elementary is a public school located in Elizabeth City, NC. 399 students attend J C Sawyer Elementary.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 5/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
| Student Growth | 8/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
Posted: October 9, 2025
Our daughter attended this school, K-5, and we feel she received an excellent education. Reading skills are emphasized. JCS is an old established school we, the parents also attended school here) where parental involvement makes a big impact. A child's foundation is off to an accelerated start in the Kindergarten classes here which are the jewel in the crown of ECCPS. Veteran teachers and administration are committed as well to each child's progress. Again parental involvement is key. JCS welcomes family input- I witnessed that first hand throughout my child's 6 year tenure there.
Posted: October 9, 2025
Posted: October 9, 2025
Posted: October 9, 2025
Posted: October 9, 2025
Posted: October 9, 2025
Posted: October 9, 2025
Posted: October 9, 2025
Posted: July 25, 2019
The worst teaching experience of my life. A Veteran teacher with many years of experience and excellent evaluations should never have been as disrespected as she was.
Posted: July 25, 2019
Posted: July 25, 2019
Teachers cannot teach to their capacity because of the severe discipline problems and constant disruptions. Inconsistent administration with certain teachers that rule the school are major contributors to the behavior problems.
Posted: July 25, 2019
Posted: July 25, 2019
Principal left in December. Weak administration let veteran teachers and certain parents rule the school. Children had to many schedules changes bc those in power thought it'd more effective to change their schedules according to each math benchmark, therefore leading to severe behavior problems in LA & Sci. Classess. Admin. Took sides of parents and children immediately, causing some classes to lose their teachers. This is a problem all across the county.
Posted: July 25, 2019
Posted: July 25, 2019
Posted: February 5, 2017
This school has some fabulous teachers. The staff knows the kids and encourages parent involvement. There's a very active PTO that supports the school and teachers. My daughters have done very well here.
Posted: December 4, 2016
We attended J.C.Sawyer school for one year, and no more. If your child is active this is not the place for him/her. If your child is above or below the curve, this is not the place for him/her. I look back and I can't believe we let our child attend a school where a kindergarten teacher and her aide scream, yes scream, at children. We adressed our concerns with staff. Nothing was done. We left to find a better environment and education for our child, and found a welcoming school in the North part of the county. We haven't turned back, but wanted others to know the truth before considering this school.
Posted: February 10, 2015
I didn't think I would love this school, but I have seen so much good the teachers, principal and PTO do to make this a good school. The only negative part is the traffic in the parking lot during pick-up. Otherwise, I believe the teachers sincerely care about the students. I am impressed to see the principal, Mr. Paulette directing traffic many days. Even the librarian is delightful. Don't let ratings fool you. My child and I like JC Sawyer Elementary. It's really what you make of it. Get involved and you will like the school.
Posted: April 29, 2013
J.C. Sawyer has an amazing parent group that makes this school a wonderful place to be a student. If there is a need, the PTO raises money to take care of it. J.C. Sawyer is a home away from home for the students and the teachers truly care about the students! Teachers have embraced the common core standards for curriculum and are working hard to make sure all students meet these national standards. Students with special needs (learning disabilities AND gifted children) have excellent opportunities to achieve their goals.
Posted: April 28, 2013
J. C. Sawyer Elementary is hands-down the best elementary school in the district. The teachers and staff are involved and treat every child with respect. The AIG gifted program is excellent and includes the youngest students (kindergarten) whereas many of the local schools do not until third grade. The Principal works closely with the very strong and active PTO. Together, they have made significant improvements throughout the school. I encourage anyone moving into the area to visit J. C. Sawyer, meet the Principal and take a look around. I think you will walk away with a great feeling about the school and want to send your child/ren there.
Posted: May 30, 2011
I have been very pleased with the teachers and staff at this school. We moved here from Virginia and although the schools there were much newer with nicer classrooms and better equipment, I've found the teachers at JC Sawyer to be truly interested in my child's learning process. When my children attended the larger schools in VA, I felt like they were just lost in the shuffle and were treated as a "number". The teachers at JC Sawyer have been great at communicating with me regarding his educational goals and progress. His teacher has even called me in the evening and on a Saturday just to give me his test grades or let me know how he's been doing.
Posted: March 22, 2010
Posted: March 16, 2008
Posted: July 29, 2007
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olde Towne | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Elizabeth City | NC | 6.6 mi | |
| 2 | Mount Hermon | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Elizabeth City | NC | 6.7 mi | |
| 3 | Etheridge Pines/Lakes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 28.2 mi | |
| 4 | Cheshire Forest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 28.2 mi | |
| 5 | Chesire Forest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 28.5 mi | |
| 6 | Foxgate Quarter | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 28.8 mi | |
| 7 | Stratford Terrace | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 29.2 mi | |
| 8 | Wilson Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 29.5 mi | |
| 9 | Las Gaviotas | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 29.5 mi | |
| 10 | Cedar Wood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 29.6 mi | |
| 11 | Island Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 30.4 mi | |
| 12 | Albemarle River Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 30.7 mi | |
| 13 | Clearfield | Area of Town | Chesapeake | VA | 31.1 mi | |
| 14 | Arlington Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 31.2 mi | |
| 15 | Sawyers Mill | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 31.3 mi | |
| 16 | Riverwalk | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 31.3 mi | |
| 17 | Warrington Hall | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 31.3 mi | |
| 18 | Courthouse Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Virginia Beach | VA | 31.7 mi | |
| 19 | Dominion Lakes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 31.7 mi | |
| 20 | Elmwood Landing | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chesapeake | VA | 32 mi | |
| 21 | Indian River Farms | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Virginia Beach | VA | 32.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northside | Elizabeth City | NC | 6.6 mi | |
| 2 | Country Club Meadows | Chesapeake | VA | 30.2 mi | |
| 3 | Pungo | Virginia Beach | VA | 31.8 mi | |
| 4 | Greenbrier | Chesapeake | VA | 32.4 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Coast Guard Elizabeth City | 2.1 mi. |
| NSA Northwest Annex | 19 mi. |
| Norfolk Naval Shipyard | 36.7 mi. |
| Dam Neck Naval Station | 36.9 mi. |
| Oceana NAS | 37.3 mi. |
| Coast Guard Cape Hatteras | 38.5 mi. |
| Portsmouth Naval Medical Center | 38.9 mi. |
| Coast Guard Portsmouth VA | 41.9 mi. |
| Joint Staff J7 Suffolk | 42.7 mi. |
| Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base | 43.4 mi. |
| Norfolk Naval Base | 44.6 mi. |
| Fort Story | 45.4 mi. |
| Fort Monroe | 49.8 mi. |
