Ephesus Elementary

Ephesus is All of Us
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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.

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

Highlights

  • Highest number of Pre-K classrooms in district (NC Pre-K + Head Start)
  • 2 of 3 district EC Pre-K teachers are at Ephesus
  • High linguistic diversity: Russian, Mandarin, Burmese, Spanish, Karen
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. Enrollment projections for elementary schools show two magnet programs (Glenwood and FPG) along with McDougle and Ephesus as maintaining or slightly increasing enrollments in 2030 and 2035. Ephesus is one of the only schools projected to maintain enrollment in the future, and it is projected to do so without a magnet program.

Enrollment and utilization projections by school with Ephesus Elementary highlighted

Key Points:

  • Ephesus' current utilization rate is in the 'sweet spot' of 75% - 100%
  • Utilization is projected to rise rapidly for Ephesus to 86% by 2030 and remain over 80% through 2035
  • Ephesus is one of the only non-magnet schools with high utilization rates in the future

Resource: CHCCS School Board Retreat Presentation

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!