April 29, 2026
"What's Happening Wednesday!"
🍽️ Eat local. Give back. Repeat!May 4–10, dine out for Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, or just because—every bite supports our Education Foundation and the students and teachers we serve! Check out al...
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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! 🚀
Latest News
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April 22, 2026
MORE "What's Happening Wednesday!"
Support Mechanical Minds Robotics – Easy Ways to Give Back This Week Our Mechanical Minds Robotics Team is continuing to raise funds for their trip to the 2026 FIRST World Championship in Houston—a...
April 22, 2026
"What's Happening Wednesday!"
🎨 CCS Art Show – You’re Invited!Join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of our students at the Catawba County Schools Art Show!📍 Location: Valley Hills Mall (1960 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory – a...
April 21, 2026
Important Update for CCS Families
Dear CCS Families, Last night, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted to move ahead with the merger of the three public school districts. At this time, there are no immediate changes for s...
School Profile
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
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