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Catawba Elementary School

Ad Astra - To the Stars!

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2nd grade students celebrating the 100th Day of School
Kinder students pictured with Dr. Stover, CCS Superintendent
Cosmic coffee cart
Playground field trip
1st Grade students after a visit from the Sherrill's Ford/Terrell Friends of the Library
Winning students from our annual Book Character Pumpkin Contest

A collage of images showcasing Catawba Elementary students and activities.

Welcome to Catawba Elementary School 

About Us

We’re so glad you’re here! At Catawba Elementary, we believe in creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. We proudly serve students in Pre-K through 6th grade, offering engaging academics, strong community connections, and a focus on the whole child.

Nestled in the charming historic town of Catawba, NC – once part of the Catawba Academy established in 1890 – our school has a rich legacy of learning. Originally known as Catawba High School, our community school evolved over the years to become the elementary school we cherish today. Our current building opened in 2007.

Our dedicated staff works hard to inspire a love of learning, celebrate individual growth, and build a strong foundation for future success. With a variety of enrichment opportunities – including the arts, technology integration, and character development – we aim to meet the needs of every learner.

Our small-town setting fosters safety, belonging, and strong connections among students, staff, and families. Whether you're a returning or new to our Rocket family, we welcome you to a place where students are encouraged to dream big, work hard, and launch into their brightest futures.

Let’s make it a great year at Catawba Elementary—home of the Rockets! 🚀

group of students


Inclusivity

We prioritize inclusivity by actively promoting a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

Our differentiators —

Why Catawba?

Our mission is to support and equip students, teachers, and parents by providing amazing Pre-K through Grade 12 academic resources based upon traditional values.

  • Academic Excellence
    We are dedicated to providing a rigorous and comprehensive educational experience that challenges and nurtures the intellect of every student.
  • Future Readiness
    We embrace innovation as a catalyst for educational excellence and future readiness.
  • Safety, Well-Being, and Integrity
    We are committed to promoting safety, well-being, and integrity so every student and staff member feels secure, supported, and respected.

Latest News

Stay up to date on exciting news, events and more with the ParentSquare app!

August 5, 2025

Open house, August 21st!

Get ready Rockets! Open House will be on Thursday, August 21st - we will have two sessions, one at 1:30 and the second at 5:30! Teacher assignments will be shared at Open House. We'll start with an o. . .

Upcoming Events

View the full calendar to see all the exciting events we have happening in the next few weeks and months!

School Profile
Exterior view of a modern building with a blue roof and a covered entrance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement: "Our mission is to create a caring and inclusive learning environment where dedicated and creative teachers help every student succeed. We focus on academic growth, strong character, and social-emotional well-being by offering a challenging and supportive curriculum. Together, we prepare students to thrive in a changing world."

Grades: Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment: 465 students
Principal: Dr. Bethany Settlemyre
Assistant Principal: Joe Weaver
School Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM

Principal’s Message
A woman with wavy brown hair smiles at the camera.

Dr. Settlemyre brings over 25 years of educational leadership and a passion for student success, driving excellence and innovation throughout our school.

Dear Rocket families,

It is an absolute honor to serve as the Principal of Catawba Elementary, where students, families, and staff work together to create a positive and supportive school community.

At Catawba, we believe every child has unique strengths and the ability to shine. Our goal is to inspire a love of learning, encourage curiosity, and help each student grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Whether you're a returning Rocket or new to our school family, we are so glad you're here. I look forward to learning and growing together as we make this an amazing year!

With Rocket Pride,
Dr. Bethany Settlemyre
Phone: 828-241-3131 |  Email