Dixon Road Elementary
Willow Spring, NC 27592
Phone: (919) 894-7771
Fax: (919) 894-3642
District: Johnston County School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 628 students
Dixon Road Elementary, a public school located in Willow Spring, NC, serves grades PK-5 in the Johnston County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Dixon Road Elementary is a public school located in Willow Spring, NC. 628 students attend Dixon Road Elementary.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 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: May 19, 2026
This school is incredible. My daughters experience here has been the best of her life. Her teacher, Ms. Ryden, is the most outstanding she has ever had. She rekindled my daughter's love for school and learning.
Posted: May 19, 2026
Posted: May 19, 2026
Posted: May 19, 2026
Posted: May 19, 2026
Posted: May 19, 2026
Posted: May 19, 2026
Posted: May 19, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
My son has attended Dixon Rd Elem starting at preschool. Overall, we have had an excellent experience. My son began school with an IEP and the teachers played an intricate part in helping him meet so many milestones that he was behind in. I don't believe I would have been able to get him to where he is now on my own. All of his his teachers from preschool to first grade have been encouraging, loving, and have really made him excited to learn. He loves to go to school. When I accompany him to school events I love that staff members I don't even know will call him by name and say hello. The school really does have a community/family vibe that makes everyone feel seen and supported. They have fun events throughout the year such as dress up days, Christmas Santa days and activities that include family and community. The PTO does a great job supporting teachers but also creating fun things for the kids to enjoy. Dr. Hill (Principal) even gives kids a card and piece of candy on their birthday. A small gesture but my son feels so important each year that she remembers and recognizes him.
As with any school there are always areas that could use some improvement such as communication. I sometimes feel a little unsure of things going on around the school. Luckily, the PTO Facebook group is helpful to find information and Dr. Hill sends a weekly newsletter to parents that usually has updates and info on upcoming events. I believe that if you make an effort to be informed and involved you will feel more "in the know". I have a second child about to start at Dixon as well and I actually feel sad thinking about the day we will have to move on to a different school.
Posted: August 20, 2019
This school is very inclusive and supportive of every student, no matter their differences. They go above and beyond to meet the special needs of each student.
Posted: August 20, 2019
Posted: August 20, 2019
Posted: August 20, 2019
Posted: August 20, 2019
Posted: August 20, 2019
Posted: August 20, 2019
This is an amazing school. The principal, teachers and staff are without a doubt the best Ive ever come across. The pre-k program is out of this world awesome! Ms. Jo, Ms. Maryanne, and Ms. Jennifer are some of the kindest and most well-rounded educators. They made us feel at home with leaving our daughter in their care. They use positive reinforcement with the kids and their naturally kind dispositions shine through in even the most challenging situations. We are so lucky to have them and we appreciate all they do!
Posted: March 27, 2019
Dixon roads is a safe place for every child.
Posted: March 27, 2019
I love this school so much I will cry when our time here is over.
Posted: March 27, 2019
Posted: March 27, 2019
Both teachers so far have been extremely supportive of my child and his many needs.
Posted: March 27, 2019
Dixon roads sets the example and holds to it's standards.
Posted: March 27, 2019
200% No matter what all students are all treated fairly.
Posted: February 19, 2019
Posted: February 19, 2019
Posted: February 19, 2019
Posted: February 19, 2019
My daughter suffers from dyslexia and her old school was failing her. Within weeks of switching to this school we could tell she was making huge strides in educational progress.
Posted: February 19, 2019
Posted: February 19, 2019
Posted: February 19, 2019
Great teachers, amazing staff, awesome programs, highly affective teaching methods, advanced technology is used in classrooms. Love that they have a bring your own computer to school. I also love that they use ClassDojo so I can get daily feedback on my childs behavior and maintain a line of communication with her teacher.
Posted: March 2, 2018
He got bullied and he told the teacher and said he shouldn't tattle tale. He was a week later punched and told the teacher and the principal and got the same response of why it's there problem. When he accidentally tripped someone in the hallway he had to be taken out of class for 3 hours and I was called there but I was at work. He gave him ISS for 2 days.
Posted: March 2, 2018
0/1000000000000000000 if I was able to rate that low
Posted: May 30, 2017
Don't give them a chance short staff
Posted: May 30, 2017
Posted: May 30, 2017
Posted: May 30, 2017
Posted: May 30, 2017
Posted: May 30, 2017
Posted: May 30, 2017
Posted: November 19, 2015
Posted: November 19, 2015
Posted: November 19, 2015
Posted: November 19, 2015
My child has attended DRES since Kindergarten, and we have loved every teacher he has had. The current principal, Mr. Bennett, is truly an inspiration to the children and the staff. This is my child's last year at Dixon Road, and we will greatly miss this school. We will continue to support this school as it is the best school in our area.
Posted: May 10, 2015
We moved to this area last year and could not be happier with this school. The teachers are so helpful and the staff is amazing. Thank you DRES. I so glad to stay in this school community for several more years!!
Posted: February 2, 2014
Dixon Road got a new principal this year and Mr Bennett is awesome. He cares about the kids and interacts well with them. He treats staff and parents with respect and is complete opposite of the previous principal. The teachers are caring and work really hard for the kids. Love Dixon Road!!
Posted: August 15, 2012
The teachers are caring and compassionate. Principal Alligood (current) does not seem to possess either of those characteristics. However she does have many others that are exhibited on a daily basis: She is condescending to students, teachers and parents. She forms her opinions, makes her decisions and then asks questions later. Our experience at Dixon Road would have been much more enjoyable Teachers and students are AFRAID of MRs/ Alligood and do not enjoy working with or for her. It's obvious there is a problem when Honor Roll and Principal's list students are in the office along with thieir parents whom are also teachers. During the 3 years prior to Warden Alligood's arrival our child thrived. We are happy to have obtained our parole for time served.
Posted: August 10, 2012
For the most part we really liked our child's teachers, but the principal is not easy to work with.
Posted: July 17, 2012
Very unhappy with this school. We transfered from Wake County and had issues from the begining. First impression I got from the principal was her basically yelling at the receptionist because I, (being unaware of the rules), went to pick my children up at 3:15 and was supose to get them before 3 or wait until 3:45. Instead of speaking to me directly and professionally, she slapped her hand down on the counter and proceeded to yell at the RECEPTIONIST why she had an issue with me picking them up at 3:15 with other parents in the office as well. As well I feel that the main focus is dress attire rather than academics. Going through the teachers that I have delt with......I had a parent teacher conference with one teacher but she was unable to focus because her children attended the meeting too. Another waited until my other child had a whole packet of work (10+ sheets) that was not completed, stapled them together and sent it home with a note that said "please complete and turn in tomorrow". Really? The last teacher, my child felt pressured and disliked by. My child is an ADD student and felt they were not meeting the teachers expectations.
Posted: March 19, 2012
School and teachers are wonderful. Like the other reviewer, I am less than impressed with the principal. Alligood is not who should be leading the school. She's ill prepared to address the needs of the younger students, and should be relieved of her duties. She has a power hungry attitude and lack of compassion for the students in her care.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winston Pointe | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Clayton | NC | 9.3 mi | |
| 2 | Eagle Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Raleigh | NC | 10.3 mi | |
| 3 | Hedingham | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Raleigh | NC | 19.3 mi | |
| 4 | Castlebrooke | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Linden | NC | 25.8 mi | |
| 5 | Forest Oaks | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bunnlevel | NC | 26 mi | |
| 6 | Ellerslie Subdivision | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 26.1 mi | |
| 7 | Anderson Creek Club | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Spring Lake | NC | 27.1 mi | |
| 8 | Overhills Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Spring Lake | NC | 27.8 mi | |
| 9 | The Summit | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Sanford | NC | 29.1 mi | |
| 10 | Sunset Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Sanford | NC | 29.3 mi | |
| 11 | Kings Grant | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 29.4 mi | |
| 12 | Patriot Park Village | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 31.1 mi | |
| 13 | Inverness | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 31.2 mi | |
| 14 | Kinwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 31.4 mi | |
| 15 | Forest Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Cameron | NC | 31.5 mi | |
| 16 | Deerfield | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Spring Lake | NC | 31.7 mi | |
| 17 | College Lakes | Area of Town | Fayetteville | NC | 32.3 mi | |
| 18 | Stonegate Apartments | Apartment Complex | Spring Lake | NC | 32.5 mi | |
| 19 | Stone Creek Subdivision | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 33.2 mi | |
| 20 | Carolina Seasons | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Cameron | NC | 33.7 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton | Princeton | NC | 24.8 mi | |
| 2 | North Ramsey Road | Fayetteville | NC | 27.2 mi | |
| 3 | Spring Lake | Spring Lake | NC | 33 mi | |
| 4 | Spring Lake by Ft Bragg Base | Spring Lake | NC | 33.1 mi | |
| 5 | Eastwood Ave & Kentberry Ct. | Fayetteville | NC | 33.9 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Raleigh National Guard | 20.2 mi. |
| Pope Field | 33.8 mi. |
| Seymour Johnson AFB | 37.4 mi. |
| Fort Bragg | 42 mi. |
