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Timber Drive Elementary

Summary:

Timber Drive Elementary is a public elementary school in Garner, North Carolina, serving 416 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Wake County Schools district, which is ranked 59th out of 242 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating.

Timber Drive Elementary has seen a significant shift in its student racial composition, with the percentage of White students decreasing from 63.58% in 2021-2022 to 43.99% in 2022-2023, while the percentage of African American and Hispanic students has increased. Compared to nearby schools like Fuller Elementary, Rand Road Elementary, and Bryan Road Elementary, Timber Drive has a more diverse student population. However, the school's academic performance, as measured by End-of-Grade (EOG) test proficiency rates, has been mixed, with lower proficiency rates than the district and state averages in some grade levels and subject areas.

Timber Drive Elementary's statewide ranking has fluctuated, ranging from 441st out of 1,514 North Carolina elementary schools in 2021-2022 to 1,087th out of 1,505 schools in 2023-2024. The school has also seen a significant increase in the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, from 26.82% in 2021-2022 to 62.26% in 2022-2023. This increase in economically disadvantaged students may contribute to the school's academic performance challenges and will require targeted support and resources to address the unique needs of this population.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 1601 Timber Drive
       Garner, NC  27529

(919) 773-9500

District: Wake County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
1087th of 1,505 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,614 Help


Students who attend Timber Drive Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    North Garner Middle
High:    Garner High
    Wake Early College of Health and Science
    Wake STEM Early College High School
    Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  11.9 Help
Number of students:  383

Racial breakdown:

White:
38.9%
African American:
30.8%
Hispanic:
20.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  65.5% Help


 See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

 Compare Timber Drive Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Timber Drive Elementary ranks worse than 72.2% of elementary schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 101st among 115 ranked elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 30.55. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Timber Drive Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (38.9%), African American (30.8%), Hispanic (20.6%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 65.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Timber Drive Elementary is 11.9, which is the 21st best among 115 elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Timber Drive Elementary employs 31.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Timber Drive Elementary is $11,614, which is the 17th highest among 115 elementary schools in the Wake County Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Timber Drive Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Timber Drive Elementary 1087th of 1505 North Carolina public elementary schools. (See Timber Drive Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Wake County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Wake County Schools 59th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Timber Drive Elementary?

Rank History for Timber Drive Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 80.30 174th 1276 86.4%
2007 71.68 312th 1293 75.9%
2008 55.11 631st 1324 52.3%
2009 37.34 947th 1354 30.1%
2010 38.53 949th 1363 30.4%
2011 53.97 727th 1381 47.4%
2012 65.37 501st 1388 63.9%
2013 71.42 334th 1403 76.2%
2014 59.21 552nd 1390 60.3%
2015 52.14 713th 1440 50.5%
2016 41.29 904th 1425 36.6%
2017 26.63 1127th 1429 21.1%
2018 34.48 1011th 1434 29.5%
2019 33.09 1051st 1473 28.6%
2021 47.54 743rd 1489 50.1%
2022 67.55 441st 1514 70.9%
2023 34.35 1018th 1502 32.2%
2024 30.55 1087th 1505 27.8%
See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 9.66 419th 421 0.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 22.63 1136th 1332 14.7%
2019 18.60 1229th 1361 9.7%
2021 36.44 842nd 1329 36.6%
2022 60.06 447th 1366 67.3%
2023 19.63 1265th 1437 12.0%
2024 24.63 1227th 1450 15.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.15 971st 1405 30.9%
2019 27.59 1124th 1424 21.1%
2021 48.90 697th 1440 51.6%
2022 59.04 573rd 1458 60.7%
2023 31.64 1048th 1459 28.2%
2024 33.35 1035th 1455 28.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.38 834th 897 7.0%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 34.53 1012th 1413 28.4%
2019 42.84 866th 1430 39.4%
2021 45.52 757th 1444 47.6%
2022 73.04 336th 1464 77.0%
2023 38.04 951st 1461 34.9%
2024 28.91 1102nd 1464 24.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.23 612th 927 34.0%
2019 31.38 716th 949 24.6%
2021 44.68 436th 896 51.3%
2022 65.33 231st 927 75.1%
2023 20.29 826th 933 11.5%
2024 26.23 752nd 924 18.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.71 816th 851 4.1%
2019 4.24 863rd 865 0.2%
2023 23.77 770th 915 15.8%
2024 4.81 949th 951 0.2%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Timber Drive Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 53.07 597th 1178 49.3%
2019 43.97 710th 1183 40.0%
2021 46.15 634th 1172 45.9%
2022 55.38 538th 1194 54.9%
2023 53.28 569th 1183 51.9%
2024 49.35 621st 1166 46.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Timber Drive Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
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Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

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0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Sunday, September 5, 2021

Open Quote Timber drive really is a great school!! The principal Dr. Kocher and the teachers are beyond wonderful!! The teachers and staff are supportive, caring to each and every student. They have always made a point to keep me informed. I know TDES will go above and beyond to keep my daughter safe and to support her academically and emotionally. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote My twins started Kindergarten at Timber Drive this year and we have loved every moment of it. Sending your first one off to “big kid” school is not an easy task but Dr Kocher, the principal made us feel like family when he guided our personal tour when we were checking out possible schools. I’ve volunteered a few times since they started school and I have enjoyed getting to know the staff and fellow parents of other students. We are very happy with Timber Drive and look forward to the next 5+ years there. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote We have been very happy with this school. My daughter had gone here since kindergarten, great teachers, good principal, family atmosphere. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote We absolutely love Timber Drive Elementary. My son’s teacher is amazing and we are always informed. I’m still trying to understand how the rating is a 1 star. My son looks forward to going to school everyday and is learning more and more everyday he comes home. So grateful for TDE! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote DONT go by a star rating go to person to this school and take a tour. You won’t be disappointed. Meet Dr. Kocher and the staff. You’ll love them. It was a big decision to make taking my child from a top rated private school to a public one and I am not the least bit reluctant I did. My child is loved and thriving. Very impressed with this school. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote We absolutely LOVE Timber Drive! My son has been a student there for 4 years now and we couldn't be happier. The teachers and support staff go above and beyond for each and every student and really make it feel like one big family. The change in administration a few years ago really seemed to help the school blossom into something wonderful. The family outreach and immersion each quarter with family nights really helps keep you included as a parent and the ability to volunteer adds to that feeling. I look forward to having my younger son start next year! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote We have interviewed several schools before enrolling my little one after moving to Garner. Timber Elementary stood far out from the rest. Not only did we meet the principal himself, a guided tour of the school and all our questions answered, very impressed with the high level of technological involvement for students already starting at the youngest level without jeopardizing the important other school aspects. Their security is top-notch. They know each child by name and greet them every morning in carpool. My little one loves her teachers, communication is always quick and the school is clean. Cafeteria offers a nice variety of food options even for picky eaters. The enrollment process was explained in depth and easy to follow. We were very happy to get in. This is a year round school track 4 which works best with my work schedule and our family live. I can highly recommend Timber Elementary. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote Timber drive has the best administration and teachers. The PTA is amazing. I am shocked to see such a a low score! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote My daughter is a fifth grader at Timber Drive. We have been a member of the Timber Drive family since kindergarten. I say family because that's what it is. There isn't another school I could imagine sending my daughter to. There have been some changes over the years, each one improving upon the one before. Dr. Kocher is an awesome asset, along with the entire admin team and the amazing PTA we have. Teachers have been wonderful. They all have their strengths with the children, but we have had beyond wonderful teachers many of the years we have been here. I would recommend this school in a heartbeat! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Open Quote This is an amazing, supportive and caring school. We love this school and my kid is extremely happy. The principal is one of a kind, he cares about his students and their families . The teachers are exceptional everyone on them. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Open Quote We absolutely love Timber Drive! Dr.Kocher is so good with the kids, we always see him around the school greeting each kid by their names and he’s always trying to find new fun ways to the kids to get excited to go to school. Simple things like playing music in carpool so the kids get excited to walk in the door. Family fun nights and teaching us parents what our kids are learning in school! The entire front office staff is exceptional! We’ve been there for 2 years and our daughter has LOVED both her teachers. They’re not only encouraginf and king but have taught our daughter so much and we are so impressed with how much she’s learned! Our parents are so active in the school and the PTA is so present helping out in so many ways! Beyond thankful for this school!! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, November 21, 2019

Open Quote The admin team is awesome - super supportive of teachers, parents & students alike. Parents are encouraged & welcome to engage and participate in the goings on at school. We have a strong PTA with many hands making light work...and are appreciated & supported by the admin and teachers/staff. On paper our test scores may not be at the top, bc well standardized testing....but our students, admin & teacher are no doubt top notch! Close Quote


by a parent
Saturday, April 18, 2015

Open Quote Timber Drive ES is an excellent school. The staff and teachers are so caring and helpful. When you enter the school, it feels like a friendly and warm atmosphere. Timber Drive has a very involved PTA and the school is known for being like a family that includes staff, parents, and students. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Timber Drive Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1998 405 122 5 4 4 n/a n/a 0 540
1999 542 142 6 4 2 n/a n/a 0 696
2000 582 159 9 3 4 n/a n/a 0 757
2001 629 172 9 5 3 n/a n/a 0 818
2002 609 203 15 95 3 n/a n/a 0 925
2003 609 203 15 95 3 n/a n/a 0 925
2004 616 208 16 96 3 n/a n/a 0 939
2005 622 196 15 105 3 n/a n/a 0 941
2006 599 193 12 103 4 n/a n/a 0 911
2007 564 218 8 117 4 n/a n/a 32 943
2008 458 246 7 142 6 n/a n/a 35 894
2009 440 299 11 152 4 n/a n/a 0 906
2010 360 314 12 152 2 n/a n/a 0 840
2011 324 246 11 134 3 0 48 0 766
2012 309 205 11 66 2 0 40 0 633
2013 309 198 11 75 1 0 35 0 629
2014 317 233 11 83 1 2 30 0 677
2015 332 221 8 80 1 2 25 0 669
2016 298 208 8 93 0 2 24 0 633
2017 291 226 8 96 0 0 26 0 647
2018 269 196 8 83 3 0 18 0 577
2019 231 127 6 39 1 0 18 0 422
2020 214 103 5 29 2 0 20 0 373
2021 193 81 4 23 3 1 24 0 329
2022 192 61 2 25 4 1 17 0 302
2023 183 121 7 73 3 2 27 0 416
2024 149 118 6 79 2 1 28 0 383

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Timber Drive Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1998 540 33.0 16.4 n/a
1999 696 37.0 18.8 8.9
2000 757 37.0 20.5 7.9
2001 818 46.0 17.8 7.9
2002 925 55.0 16.8 20.4
2003 925 55.0 16.8 20.4
2004 939 55.0 17.1 19.1
2005 941 56.0 16.8 23.9
2006 911 60.0 15.2 23.3
2007 943 n/a n/a 31.4
2008 894 56.9 15.7 n/a
2009 906 61.3 14.8 n/a
2010 840 52.5 15.9 47.1
2011 766 51.0 15.0 49.1
2012 633 43.1 14.6 43.6
2013 629 42.5 14.8 48.6
2014 677 48.5 13.9 44.2
2015 669 46.0 14.5 45.1
2016 633 39.0 16.2 49.6
2017 647 41.0 15.7 50.2
2018 577 37.0 15.5 50.4
2019 422 29.8 14.1 39.6
2020 373 27.5 13.5 35.7
2021 329 26.5 12.4 32.5
2022 302 27.5 10.9 26.8
2023 416 34.0 12.2 62.3
2024 383 31.9 11.9 65.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Timber Drive Elementary

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1998 540 33.0 16.4 n/a
1999 696 37.0 18.8 8.9
2000 757 37.0 20.5 7.9
2001 818 46.0 17.8 7.9
2002 925 55.0 16.8 20.4
2003 925 55.0 16.8 20.4
2004 939 55.0 17.1 19.1
2005 941 56.0 16.8 23.9
2006 911 60.0 15.2 23.3
2007 943 n/a n/a 31.4
2008 894 56.9 15.7 n/a
2009 906 61.3 14.8 n/a
2010 840 52.5 15.9 47.1
2011 766 51.0 15.0 49.1
2012 633 43.1 14.6 43.6
2013 629 42.5 14.8 48.6
2014 677 48.5 13.9 44.2
2015 669 46.0 14.5 45.1
2016 633 39.0 16.2 49.6
2017 647 41.0 15.7 50.2
2018 577 37.0 15.5 50.4
2019 422 29.8 14.1 39.6
2020 373 27.5 13.5 35.7
2021 329 26.5 12.4 32.5
2022 302 27.5 10.9 26.8
2023 416 34.0 12.2 62.3
2024 383 31.9 11.9 65.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Timber Drive Elementary

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,062 (9.1%) $10,552 (90.9%) $11,614

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Timber Drive Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 1051st of 1473 Elementary schoolsRanks 1018th of 1502 Elementary schools
 3.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Timber Drive Elementary)52.743.2
 9.5%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)69.467.4
 2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)64.361.1
 3.2%
3rd Grade Reading (Timber Drive Elementary)54.141.9
 12.2%
   3rd Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)6658.7
 7.3%
   3rd Grade Reading (North Carolina)56.848
 8.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Timber Drive Elementary)53.844.2
 9.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)6565
   4th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
4th Grade Reading (Timber Drive Elementary)6057.7
 2.3%
   4th Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)63.265.7
 2.5%
   4th Grade Reading (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
5th Grade Mathematics (Timber Drive Elementary)49.446.3
 3.1%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Wake County Schools)6665.6
 0.4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)60.255.9
 4.3%
5th Grade Reading (Timber Drive Elementary)40.438.8
 1.6%
   5th Grade Reading (Wake County Schools)60.659.1
 1.5%
   5th Grade Reading (North Carolina)54.648
 6.6%
5th Grade Science (Timber Drive Elementary)47.253.7
 6.5%
   5th Grade Science (Wake County Schools)71.370.6
 0.7%
   5th Grade Science (North Carolina)72.665.3
 7.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students422416
 1.4%
African American127121
 4.7%
American Indian13
 200%
Asian67
 16.7%
Hispanic3973
 87.2%
Pacific Islander02
White231183
 20.8%
Two or More Races1827
 50%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients39.6%62.3%
 22.7%

Schools Near Timber Drive Elementary








Frequently Asked Questions about Timber Drive Elementary

Students at Timber Drive Elementary are 39% White, 31% African American, 21% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

Timber Drive Elementary ranks 1087th of 1505 North Carolina elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

In the 2023-24 school year, 383 students attended Timber Drive Elementary.


Rate Timber Drive Elementary!



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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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