Rockfish Elementary
Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: (910) 424-5313
Fax: (910) 424-5338
District: Cumberland County School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 682 students
Rockfish Elementary, a public school located in Hope Mills, NC, serves grades PK-5 in the Cumberland County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Rockfish Elementary is a public school located in Hope Mills, NC. 682 students attend Rockfish Elementary.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 7/10 | 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 | 5/10 | 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: January 31, 2026
Rockfish is a wonderful school. Teachers work hard and are very involved with our students learning. They give updates and check in regularly with how they are doing and things that can be done at home to help them succeed better where they might be struggling. Administration always listens to concerns if there are any that arise and do everything they can to fix it. The school is older and really could use a whole entire new building but thats up to the county. So many amazing families and they put on family events at least once a month. We really appreciate all the hard work rockfish puts in for their students and our children.
Posted: January 31, 2026
Posted: January 31, 2026
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Posted: October 17, 2022
Wonderful school, the staff is great, they truly care for the students, and my child loves his teachers.
Posted: October 17, 2022
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Posted: October 22, 2020
Rockfish is not equipped to help children who arent natural born geniuses. We moved here from OH and my daughter went from being a great reader who loved school to hating school and reading. Her first teacher would only tell us what we wanted to hear. Her TA bullied my daughter until we got the principal involved. The next grade up, we were once again told what we wanted to hear. If your child is a genius and never needs help, then great for you! Youll never have any issue. If your child struggles with any subject, take them to another school. This school does NOT care about you or your childs struggles.
Posted: October 22, 2020
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Posted: December 14, 2019
Fantastic! So glad my soon is a student here.
Posted: December 14, 2019
Fair amount of homework for each grade level
Posted: December 14, 2019
All of the teachers I have had interactions with have been positive.
Posted: December 14, 2019
Principals and teachers are protective of students
Posted: December 14, 2019
Principals are approachable and very involved in all aspects.
Posted: November 27, 2018
Posted: November 27, 2018
My son needed speech therapy. They were quick In getting him started with a therapist.
Posted: November 27, 2018
Posted: November 27, 2018
I have no problem with this school. My child always felt safe and if a problem occurred, it was handled immediately.
The teachers that my child had knew his strengths and constantly guided him to better himself academically.
Posted: November 27, 2018
Posted: November 27, 2018
Posted: November 27, 2018
Posted: March 8, 2017
Rockfish has been incredible. My sons teacher is very in tune with how my child learns and I feel like my concerns coming into a new school for out of state were taken seriously. Rockfish teachers and their staff know most each child by first name. I am so pleased with my child's education, he came into this school year barely on grade level reading and now he has well surpassed his grade level and also has found a joy from reading. So happy we chose this school when looking for a home.
Posted: May 16, 2016
Absolute fan of Rockfish Elementary. We moved here from New York City and I was concerned about the caliber of education my daughter would receive in North Carolina. She is in the AIG Program similar to the program in NYC.
My daughter also has a medical condition, which is taken into careful consideration. I feel I am in great communication with the staff and teachers. My daughter is safe, challenged and thriving. I am so glad I made the choice to enrolling my daughter in Rockfish Elementary.
Posted: September 4, 2014
My son I a middle school student now. He started his school career at Rockfish and I couldn't have been more pleased with the educational opportunities he recieved. When my son began school he was a vey young kindergartener. Every teacher and support staff that came in contact with him worked on his self esteem and his academics. Though he struggled due to immaturity, he was in the AIG program by the fourth grade. Now he has the foundation to be successful anywhere. Now I am thrilled that my baby girl is at Rockfish. I am proud that my daughter can't wait to tell me what she is doing at school. I am glad that the school is conscientious about weather conditions and keeps my child in when it is too hot or too cold. I am glad that academics is stressed for her. I am glad that she loves her school and is excited every day to "get to go" to school. I don't have to make her. This is an amazing school from top to bottom. Even the cafeteria staff greets my little girl with a smile and knows her by name. What a great feeling to go to work and know that she is growing emotionally, physically, socially, and academically in a loving and caring environment! Way to go Rockfish.
Posted: September 4, 2014
I am very pleased that my childen have attended Rockfish. It is an awesome school! They have been here for 5 years and I will miss it when they move to middle school. The teachers and staff are caring individuals who go beyond their job description to make sure all students feel loved and safe. The academics are impeccable. They emphasis reading and math to ensure that the students are successful in all subjects. They have a well-stocked Media Center for all reading interests and levels. I love that my children have a great foundation to continue with into middle and high school. I like how the school makes sure the students eat their lunch instead of just socializing. I'm sure it is not easy to get that many students through lunch in a timely manner. I couldn't have asked for a better elementary school for my children!
Posted: September 4, 2014
I can tell you how AMAZING this school is compared to others! My children have prospered more here than their previous school. They love their teachers and their teachers love them. The teachers have high expectations for their students because they want them be successful in the future! I can't see my children anywhere other than Rockfish! Thank you to all the staff for being so welcoming and loving!!!
Posted: September 3, 2014
We moved here from the west coast and used this website to help pick out a school for him. He came in mid year, last year as a first grader. It seems as though the school's only priority is academics. His teacher described their morning as "very rigorous" and that by lunch time most of the kids are brain dead and ready for a break. During the winter they hardly let the kids outside for recess. They meet the "bare minimum" standard for physical activity for the week (which is not actually met when the kids are kept indoors for recess). PE is only once a week. I thought maybe it would be better when he started this year but already, he came home saying the principal (who I've never met, not even at the open house) kept them inside. They run the lunch room very strictly. The kids have to be silent for the first 10 minutes and they have to eat their lunch a certain way. School lunches are also a joke (pizza for breakfast, pizza for lunch and chocolate cake for dessert). I pack his lunches now. My son doesn't look forward to going to school anymore and can't wait until we move again. I could keep going but I'll just say, if you're looking for a well rounded school, this is not it.
Posted: June 1, 2014
I am so happy that we moved into this school district. My son's fifth grade teacher is great.I wish she would move up to the middle school. The front office staff is very helpful, and the principal has helped our family tremendously. The teachers and principal hold everyone to a high standard, and that's probably why their scores are so good. We have moved a lot adn we are a military family. This is the best school we have been in.
Posted: May 19, 2014
Rockfish is an outstanding school with amazing teachers and administrators. The teachers provide high quality, research based instruction and the administration holds teachers and students to very high standards. All students are treated with kindness and respect, but are expected to do their job each day, which is to learn and grow. At Rockfish, "No Child is Left Behind"! I love this school! Would not send my child anywhere else in Cumberland County.
Posted: May 18, 2014
My son is a student and I am a teacher at Rockfish. We have a wonderful school, and an amazing principal. I am honored to work at Rockfish with a principal who loves children and treats them with respect and kindness.
Posted: May 16, 2014
Horrible principle with no patience and large class sizes. My child is now in a private school with a better experience, great curriculum and smaller classes.
Posted: July 11, 2013
Rockfish is a great school. The teachers and staff have high expectations for students. The quality of education at Rockfish is hands down the best in the county. I have 2 children who attend Rockfish and they are challenged and are focused at school. The only complaint I have is the class sizes. Classes are to large and it effects the teacher's ability to teach. It would be nice to see a "stop" on allowing students in who do not live in the Rockfish District. The Rockfish population is growing with all the new home construction and the families who purchase homes and live in the district should have priority. I would like to see more parents involved. There is a core group of parents who do everything which is fantastic, but more parent involvement would speak volumes to students and the teachers. There are more ways to be involved than just volunteering at the school during the school day. Overall, GREAT school!!
Posted: June 24, 2013
Rockfish Elementary is WONDERFUL! My daughter has been here since first grade and now she is going to be in the fifth grade. Every one of her teachers have been passionate and smart. It is really obvious that the principal loves the children. My daughter loves her teacher and talks about Mrs. Owen, the principal, all the time. They have implemented a lot of new safety measures that are annoying, but I understand why and I am thankful. My niece went to Rockfish too, and all of the mean and hateful teachers that were there have moved on to other jobs or schools. The principal won't allow teachers to talk hateful to kids, and I think that is great. The focus is on academics and they don't have much for the kids to do after school. My husband is being deployed and he wants me to move back to Texas with my family, but I am not leaving until my child finishes elementary school so she can stay RIGHT HERE!
Posted: May 15, 2013
My daughter is in kindergarten here and she loves it. Her teachers are very nice and understanding.
Posted: November 6, 2012
My son is a kindergartner here. I absolutely love this school. I am currently in school to be a teacher myself. I am hoping to work here with this wonderful staff and work for an amazing principal. My son had a hard time adjusting to kindergarten and I am absolutely thankful for the time and effort his teacher and other members of Rockfish put in to help him succeed. First week in November now and my son is doing well academically and behaviorally. (behavior was our problem area.) I absolutely love his teacher Mrs. Blake and the principal Mrs. Owen. Mrs Owen said to me in a meeting with her about what was going on with my son, "I'm not here for you and I'm not here for these teachers. I am here for my students." At that exact moment she gained so much respect from me as a mother and as a future educator.
Posted: October 30, 2012
I have two children that have attended rockfish for the last four years and I have no complaints. awesome motivated teachers and staff! most importantly the beautiful principal Mrs. Owens is as sweet as she looks!! she really cares about the well being of each and every child.I wish my kids could stay here forever!
Posted: August 20, 2012
I would like to start out saying that I don't care for the school. A school environment should be welcoming to students and parents. I have experienced teachers putting students down, yelling and teaches not allowing new students the time to adjust to their new environment. I moved my child from a school across town and he was never given the time to get to know the teacher.....and thats very important. within a weeks time I had a teacher telling me things that she thought my child did not know and he came home saying how stupid he was. In education it is important in the early years to make learning enjoyable but with the experience we had at Rockfish I am looking into a school of choice this fall.
Posted: August 14, 2012
This will be my second year at this school. I was not very satisfied with my daughters Kindergarten teacher. The PTA was terrible, for members were not invited to meetings. Last year many paid the membership and were never contacted again. I understand the importance of academics, but I feel learning should also include diversity and fun. One morning in the breakfast line a little boy was quietly talking to his friend and a staff member shouted at him to get in the back of the line. I just didn't like that my kid saw such negative behavior so early in the morning. There are other ways to speak to people...for kids are people too. I don't like the fact that it does not have any language classes or language awareness. Being military I will be moving sooner than later so I am giving Rockfish another try instead of moving my kids around. I must say I totally love the assistant Principal. He is very approachable and takes everyone's concern serious. Overall, it's not bad my baby learned which at the end is very important. I just wish I would have chosen a cultural school. Lets see what the new school year brings.
Posted: May 31, 2012
Rockfish is the best school ever! My colleagues are bright, passionate, and dedicated professionals. Unfortunately many of our best teachers are leaving because they feel they are not being treated as professionals. Teachers' opinions are not valued, respected, or desired. Promotions seem to be based on loyalty rather than ability. It's a sad situation for such an awesome school.
Posted: April 28, 2012
f you want a school where the leadership is motivated to create an environment that produces kids who can think critically, Rockfish Elementary is the place for you. Our daughter has been at this school for 4 years, and we have been very pleased with the level of instruction and the school administration. The principal takes learning seriously but she also motivates the kids to want to learn by providing them unique opportunities such as having the Golden Knights jump one day or having a band come play for the kids. The principal is a "mover and shaker." She is not satisfied with average or normal. She seeks excellence. The teachers our daughter has had have been very professional educators and we've always been satisfied with each one. Parent communication is wonderful; you know what's going on through notes home and the calling post messages. The school provides family opportunities for learning, such as math night. We cannot say enough good things about Rockfish Elementary. We're going to miss it after our daughter finishes 5th grade.
Posted: October 10, 2011
I think Rockfish is a great school. My son transferred at the beginning of 1st grade. It was a big adjustment considering his last shool was much smaller. At first I wasn't sold on Rockfish because there were so many procedures that I thought were pointless. As my son is now beginning 3rd grade there are some procedures that I still find annoying, but overall I can see the bigger picture because we've gotten more used to things. This year the school is starting more afterschool activities for the children and continue to really promote parental involvement. Yes, the activitities are driven by EOG, but I think that the socialization for the kids and parents is the more enjoyable part of the evenings. 3rd grade has presented some challenges for my son, but his teacher and the administrative staff at Rockfish are committed to seeing my son succeed. I can already see the difference in my son because he's feeling like he's a winner again!
Posted: August 4, 2011
Rockfish is one of the BEST schools in Cumberland Co. Both of my girls only went to Rockfish...one is in Middle school now but the other one is still there. Rockfish is so good I drive my daughter to school to get her the best education in Cumberland Co. The teachers are absolutely wonderful and have went out of their way to help both of my daughters be successful young adults. Sometimes there were struggles bc things don't always come easy to her however the teachers always had a positive attitude and really helped her get where she needed to be. Mrs. Sirios is my hero...she loves her job and she helped my girls so much!!!
Posted: April 3, 2011
This is an ok school. They push academics more than anything. I really wish I would see other activities after school. I've been more comfortable in other schools and felt more welcome. I would say this is an average school.
Posted: March 20, 2011
L-O-V-E it at the ROCK!!! We came from out west and we are sooo happy that we were referred to Hope Mills. We are military and wanted a safe place to raise our kids. There are a few subdivisions for Rockfish Elementary -behind the school is Golf Acres it averages in 115k.....woodland hills and South main subs have train tracks behind them and avgs $190, SteepleChase is listed parkton but is Hope Mills so you have the great schools they avg $180-230k. There is so much to do in our town and the schools reallly make it a blast....we love it here
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookshire | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 2.5 mi | |
| 2 | Arran Lakes West | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 3.8 mi | |
| 3 | Mill Creek Farms | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 4.1 mi | |
| 4 | Surrey Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 4.5 mi | |
| 5 | Westwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 6.3 mi | |
| 6 | Haymount | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 6.5 mi | |
| 7 | Trappers Run | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Raeford | NC | 7.5 mi | |
| 8 | The Preserve At Grand Oaks | Apartment Complex | Fayetteville | NC | 7.9 mi | |
| 9 | Cliffdale West | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 8.5 mi | |
| 10 | Scotts Mill at Treyburn | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 8.8 mi | |
| 11 | College Lakes | Area of Town | Fayetteville | NC | 11.8 mi | |
| 12 | Kinwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 12.4 mi | |
| 13 | Stone Creek Subdivision | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 13 mi | |
| 14 | Patriot Park Village | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 13.1 mi | |
| 15 | Inverness | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 13.1 mi | |
| 16 | Stonegate Apartments | Apartment Complex | Spring Lake | NC | 13.7 mi | |
| 17 | Kings Grant | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 14.6 mi | |
| 18 | Deerfield | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Spring Lake | NC | 15.8 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fayetteville | Fayetteville | NC | 7.2 mi | |
| 2 | Center of Fayetteville | Fayetteville | NC | 7.2 mi | |
| 3 | Eastwood Ave & Kentberry Ct. | Fayetteville | NC | 9.9 mi | |
| 4 | Vander | Vander | NC | 10.1 mi | |
| 5 | Spring Lake by Ft Bragg Base | Spring Lake | NC | 13.3 mi | |
| 6 | Spring Lake | Spring Lake | NC | 13.9 mi | |
| 7 | North Ramsey Road | Fayetteville | NC | 16.8 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Pope Field | 13.8 mi. |
| Fort Bragg | 15.5 mi. |
| Camp Mackall | 30.9 mi. |
