Ephesus Elementary

Ephesus is All of Us
Home Conversations Resources
1

Ephesus Is a Solution for the Future

Ephesus is ideally located in the heart of a growing, diverse, complete community in east Chapel Hill. More than 50 years after it was built, Ephesus continues to be well-positioned for the future.

A future with Ephesus means:

  • A thriving elementary school serving affordable east Chapel Hill
  • The largest pre-K enrollment in CHCCS and two EC pre-K teachers, strengthening the district pre-K program
  • A diverse school community without the need for busing across town
  • Walkability for students from a range of backgrounds and income levels
2

Essential Support for All Students

We're committed to cultivating a community where all students are welcome. As a Title 1 school, Ephesus Elementary receives federal funding to support students from low-income families, ensuring every child has access to the resources they need to be successful. We've also had the strongest student academic growth of any school in the district, showing that students of many backgrounds can thrive at Ephesus. In fact, 98% of teachers and students say Ephesus is a good place to work and learn.

0% Free/Reduced Lunch
0% Minority Enrollment
0% Say Ephesus is a good place to learn

Academic Growth Scores 2024-25

Highlights

  • Ephesus has the greatest number of Pre-K classrooms in district (NC Pre-K + Head Start), and 2 of 3 district EC Pre-K teachers are at Ephesus
  • Ephesus had a 90.2 academic growth score in 2024-25, the highest in Chapel Hill-Carrboro
  • Met or exceeded growth in every demographic category and in math; narrowly missed in reading (by 0.02)
  • 3-year high in students with disabilities showing proficiency on grade level assessments (EOGs)

Resource: North Carolina School Report Cards

3

Enrollment is Increasing

Ephesus Elementary is strategically located in an area of town that, 50+ years after it was built, continues to drive steady enrollment. The latest enrollment projections for elementary schools show the two magnet programs (Glenwood and FPG) along with McDougle and Ephesus as having high enrollments over the next ten years. And, Ephesus is projected to reach the second highest utilization rate behind Glenwood starting in 2030.

Percent capacity by school from 2025-2026 through 2035-2036 with Ephesus Elementary highlighted

Key Points:

  • Ephesus' utilization rate is projected to increase to over 86% in the 2026-2027 school year and continue to rise over the next 10 years
  • Beginning in 2030-2031 and every year after that, Ephesus is projected to have the second highest utilization rate
  • Ephesus is one of the only non-magnet schools with high utilization rates in the future

Resource: Carolina Demography presentation in CHCCS BOE Work Session April 9, 2026

4

Affordable for Families

Ephesus sits near new and planned development including several affordable housing developments, serving families from all backgrounds. Median home sales in 2025 in the Ephesus district were $165,000 below the Chapel Hill average. This strategic location helps working parents stay connected to their kids' education and keeps our community together.

0
Total new and planned housing units
197
Affordable
Units

Highlights

  • Surrounded by high-density, mixed-use zoning
  • Multiple affordable housing developments nearby
  • Recent median home sales well below the Chapel Hill average

Resource: Town of Chapel Hill Zoning Map
Source: Zillow and past 12 months MLS data as of January 2026

5

A Walkable School that Supports a Diverse Community

Because it is located near middle-income and affordable housing, for Ephesus walkability means increased access to school for students from all backgrounds and income levels. At Ephesus, walkability naturally creates a school community that is socioeconomically and racially diverse, without the need to bus kids across town to create that diversity.

Benefits of Our Location

  • 99 students live within half-mile
    - Highest among CHCCS elementary schools in Chapel Hill
  • 80 students (20%) walk or bike daily
    - 2nd highest among CHCCS elementary schools in Chapel Hill
  • Many teachers and staff live nearby

Resource: Safe Routes to School Action Plan 2025

Ephesus Elementary Needs Your Support!

Go to our Conversations page to find out how to tell local leaders why Ephesus Elementary is important to you!