Stanly County Schools & Education
Stanly County, North Carolina
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
90.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,095
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#52
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Stanly County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Stanly County, North Carolina
Broad Educational Infrastructure
Stanly County supports 9,394 students through a network of 24 public schools across two districts. The county features 11 elementary, four middle, and eight high schools, plus one additional specialized facility. This wide variety of schools ensures that families have diverse choices for their children's education.
Leading the State in Graduation Rates
Stanly County achieves a strong 90.1% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 88.0%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,095, which is below the state average of $6,969. The county's school score of 51.6 remains competitive with the statewide average.
Traditional Schools and a Prominent Charter
Stanly County Schools is the primary district, educating 8,643 students across 23 schools. The county also hosts Gray Stone Day School, a high-performing charter school that serves 751 students. This charter option represents roughly 4% of the county's total school landscape.
Rural Schooling with Personal Scale
The county balances 15 rural schools with nine located in town settings, providing a mix of environments. With an average school size of 391 students, the campuses tend to be smaller and more intimate than the state average. West Stanly High is the largest traditional school, followed closely by the Gray Stone Day charter campus.
Make a Home Near Exceptional Schools
Families seeking high graduation rates and a variety of school sizes will find Stanly County highly attractive. Whether you prefer a rural setting near West Stanly or a town location closer to Central Elementary, the options are plentiful. Consider school performance a key asset as you evaluate real estate in this growing county.
School Overview
Total Schools
24
in Stanly County
Total Enrollment
9,394
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
4% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Stanly County
Stanly County Schools
Gray Stone Day School
24 Public Schools in Stanly County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Stanly High | Stanly County Schools | 9–12 | High | 762 |
| Gray Stone Day | Gray Stone Day School | 6–12 | Charter | 751 |
| West Stanly Middle School | Stanly County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 619 |
| North Stanly High | Stanly County Schools | 9–12 | High | 591 |
| Central Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 546 |
| North Stanly Middle | Stanly County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 487 |
| Locust Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 486 |
| South Stanly High | Stanly County Schools | 9–12 | High | 442 |
| Badin Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 427 |
| Albemarle Middle | Stanly County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 409 |
| Stanfield Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 394 |
| Albemarle High | Stanly County Schools | 9–12 | High | 390 |
| South Stanly Middle | Stanly County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 353 |
| Aquadale Elementary | Stanly County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 352 |
| Endy Elementary | Stanly County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 348 |
| Oakboro Choice STEM | Stanly County Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 344 |
| Norwood Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 342 |
| East Albemarle Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 319 |
| Richfield Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 316 |
| Millingport Elementary | Stanly County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 194 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,095
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Stanly County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Stanly County, North Carolina?
Stanly County supports 9,394 students through a network of 24 public schools across two districts. The county features 11 elementary, four middle, and eight high schools, plus one additional specialized facility. This wide variety of schools ensures that families have diverse choices for their children's education.
How do schools in Stanly County perform academically?
Stanly County achieves a strong 90.1% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 88.0%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,095, which is below the state average of $6,969. The county's school score of 51.6 remains competitive with the statewide average.
What are the major school districts in Stanly County, North Carolina?
Stanly County Schools is the primary district, educating 8,643 students across 23 schools. The county also hosts Gray Stone Day School, a high-performing charter school that serves 751 students. This charter option represents roughly 4% of the county's total school landscape.
What is the school experience like in Stanly County?
The county balances 15 rural schools with nine located in town settings, providing a mix of environments. With an average school size of 391 students, the campuses tend to be smaller and more intimate than the state average. West Stanly High is the largest traditional school, followed closely by the Gray Stone Day charter campus.
How can I find homes near good schools in Stanly County, North Carolina?
Families seeking high graduation rates and a variety of school sizes will find Stanly County highly attractive. Whether you prefer a rural setting near West Stanly or a town location closer to Central Elementary, the options are plentiful. Consider school performance a key asset as you evaluate real estate in this growing county.
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.