School Overview
The Downtown School, located in the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a unique K-8 magnet school that operates under the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools system. Known for its distinct community-centered approach, the school emphasizes an inquiry-based curriculum that integrates the urban environment of downtown Winston-Salem into the daily learning experience. By leveraging its proximity to local museums, art galleries, and businesses, the school encourages students to engage with their surroundings as an extension of the classroom, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and real-world application.

A hallmark of The Downtown School is its commitment to a close-knit, collaborative atmosphere that prioritizes personalized instruction and student-led projects. The school maintains a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities, balanced with a rigorous academic core that promotes critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Through its focus on experiential learning and a highly engaged parent-teacher community, the school aims to cultivate well-rounded students who are prepared to be active, thoughtful participants in both their local and global communities.
453
Total Students
34.8
Full-Time Teachers
13.0
Student/Teacher Ratio
24.9%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for The Downtown School
Demographic Student Count
White211
Hispanic41
Black154
Asian8
Two or More36
American Indian1
Pacific Islander2
  • White
    211 (46.6%)
  • Black
    154 (34.0%)
  • Hispanic
    41 (9.1%)
  • Two or More
    36 (7.9%)
  • Asian
    8 (1.8%)
  • Pacific Islander
    2 (0.4%)
  • American Indian
    1 (0.2%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Elementary School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: Winston Salem / Forsyth County Schools
Phone: (336)703-4125
Website: http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/o/des
Grade Range: Pre-K - 8th
Total Students: 453
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 34.8
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 13.0
NSLP Participation:1 Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch: 112
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 1
Grades Taught
Pre-Kindergarten 50
Kindergarten 45
Grade 1 45
Grade 2 45
Grade 3 45
Grade 4 45
Grade 5 45
Grade 6 44
Grade 7 45
Grade 8 44

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for The Downtown School
Grade Student Count
Pre-Kindergarten50
Kindergarten45
Grade 145
Grade 245
Grade 345
Grade 445
Grade 545
Grade 644
Grade 745
Grade 844
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for The Downtown School
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female19743.5%
Male25656.5%
Nearby Elementary Schools (Within 10 Miles)