Lee County Schools & Education
Lee County, North Carolina
School Score
29/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,400
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
29/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#82
of 100 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Lee County, North Carolina
A diverse hub for public education
Lee County provides 19 public schools serving a total of 10,436 students across four districts. The system includes nine elementary, four middle, and five high schools, plus specialized centers. This distribution ensures educational access for both town residents and rural communities.
Meeting national standards for student success
The county maintains an 87% graduation rate, matching the national average. While the school score of 50.7 is slightly below the state average of 52.4, it remains above the national median score of 50.0. Spending stays efficient at $6,400 per pupil, which is approximately $500 below the North Carolina average.
Public and charter options in Lee
Lee County Schools is the primary district, educating 9,143 students across 16 campuses. The county also features a significant charter presence, with three schools including Ascend Leadership Academy and MINA Charter School. Charters represent nearly 16% of all schools, offering families multiple pedagogical choices.
Town-centered schools with moderate enrollment
With 11 schools located in town settings and eight in rural areas, the county offers a balanced geographic mix. Lee County High is the largest school with 1,508 students, while the average school size across the county is 549. This scale allows for diverse extracurriculars without losing the sense of a local community.
Versatile school choices for every family
Lee County’s mix of traditional public and charter schools provides families with the flexibility to find the right fit. Academic performance remains steady, making the area a reliable choice for long-term residential investment. Consider areas near Sanford to stay close to both town amenities and the county's largest schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
19
in Lee County
Total Enrollment
10,436
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
3
16% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Lee County
Lee County Schools
Ascend Leadership Academy: Lee County
MINA Charter School of Lee County
Central Carolina Academy
19 Public Schools in Lee County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee County High | Lee County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,508 |
| Southern Lee High School | Lee County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,234 |
| SanLee Middle School | Lee County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 809 |
| West Lee Middle | Lee County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 607 |
| WB Wicker Elementary | Lee County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 575 |
| Ascend Leadership Academy: Lee County | Ascend Leadership Academy: Lee County | 6–12 | Charter | 547 |
| Tramway Elementary | Lee County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 545 |
| J Glenn Edwards Elementary | Lee County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 532 |
| East Lee Middle | Lee County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 531 |
| Greenwood Elementary | Lee County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 530 |
| BT Bullock Elementary | Lee County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 485 |
| Broadway Elementary | Lee County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 483 |
| MINA Charter School of Lee County | MINA Charter School of Lee County | KG–7 | Charter | 474 |
| Deep River Elementary | Lee County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 473 |
| J R Ingram Jr Elementary | Lee County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 408 |
| Central Carolina Academy | Central Carolina Academy | 6–10 | Charter | 272 |
| Lee Early College | Lee County Schools | 9–UG | High | 272 |
| Floyd L Knight Children Center | Lee County Schools | PK–12 | Special Education | 105 |
| Bragg Street Academy | Lee County Schools | 6–12 | Alternative | 46 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,400
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lee County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lee County, North Carolina?
Lee County provides 19 public schools serving a total of 10,436 students across four districts. The system includes nine elementary, four middle, and five high schools, plus specialized centers. This distribution ensures educational access for both town residents and rural communities.
How do schools in Lee County perform academically?
The county maintains an 87% graduation rate, matching the national average. While the school score of 50.7 is slightly below the state average of 52.4, it remains above the national median score of 50.0. Spending stays efficient at $6,400 per pupil, which is approximately $500 below the North Carolina average.
What are the major school districts in Lee County, North Carolina?
Lee County Schools is the primary district, educating 9,143 students across 16 campuses. The county also features a significant charter presence, with three schools including Ascend Leadership Academy and MINA Charter School. Charters represent nearly 16% of all schools, offering families multiple pedagogical choices.
What is the school experience like in Lee County?
With 11 schools located in town settings and eight in rural areas, the county offers a balanced geographic mix. Lee County High is the largest school with 1,508 students, while the average school size across the county is 549. This scale allows for diverse extracurriculars without losing the sense of a local community.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lee County, North Carolina?
Lee County’s mix of traditional public and charter schools provides families with the flexibility to find the right fit. Academic performance remains steady, making the area a reliable choice for long-term residential investment. Consider areas near Sanford to stay close to both town amenities and the county's largest schools.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.