Serving 630 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Torchlight Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 16% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 29% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 47%).
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 630 students
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Torchlight Academy's student population of 630 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
630 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Torchlight Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,568 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Torchlight Academy is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2244 out of 2568 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
47%
Student : Teacher Ratio
n/a
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
38%
20%
Black
59%
25%
White
1%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
7%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Torchlight Academy's ranking?
Torchlight Academy is ranked #2244 out of 2,568 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NC state average), while 29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% NC state average).
How many students attend Torchlight Academy?
630 students attend Torchlight Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Torchlight Academy students are Black, 38% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What grades does Torchlight Academy offer ?
Torchlight Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Torchlight Academy part of?
Torchlight Academy is part of Torchlight Academy School District.
School Reviews
5 2/28/2022
We just recently moved to Raleigh, and we chose Torchlight because we were really looking for a school that offered really diverse programs. Programs that have to do with the culture that we appreciated as far as art and music. So far so good. I really enjoy the environment at Torchlight, I'm really enjoying the teacher''s motivation and the energy they''re bringing, the dedication they''re bringing. I just met Doctor Blue, the principal, and he seems very excited. Motivated for this school year. This reassures me that my daughter is in a place where she's going to be able to learn to be able to grow, expand, and just be able to enjoy the time that she spends at school and come home to look forward to expanding her education, so you know, shout out to torchlight, and we're looking forward to an amazing school year this year.
4 2/7/2022
I'm a Torchlight parent. The teachers are all really nice and Doctor Blue is awesome!
4 1/19/2022
My name is Brianna and my son just loves Torchlight light Academy.
5 1/12/2022
Torchlight is a wonderful school. They're helping the kids grow and learn about the community by helping each other. All sorts of ethnicities, plus, they're having a lot of fun. We have a young daughter about to come here soon too. We really enjoy the hospitality of the people here. It's great!
5 10/9/2020
I love Torchlight academy! This is the first charter school that my daughter went to and graduated from as far as a charter school. Mr. and Mrs. McQueen are two of the best people I have ever met. I love them I love them I love them. Anyone who don't know about Torchlight academy need to get to know about it because it's one of the best schools you can send your children to and now my granddaughter is a proud student of Torchlight academy getting ready to be her first year after graduation as a kindergarten student. Keep up the good work, Torchlight! What school do you go to? Torchlight!
5 9/15/2020
We love torchlight. My Daughter has been coming here since kindergarten. We love the fact that they learn about their heritage all year long. We appreciate the free transportation, the free meals, the after-school programs. Dr. McQueen has always been a blessing. We love the teachers, the staff, everything has been awesome. We recommend the school to anyone.
4 6/25/2020
My daughter is a 6th grader here at Torchlight. She's in an all girls' class. She has been a student at Torchlight Academy since kindergarten. I love the school. Would not consider putting her anywhere else. I do have two grandchildren and one will be 5 soon, and he will be at Torchlight as well. I love the versatility of Torchlight. I love the different languages that she's learned and I absolutely love the drills because it has taught her a lot as well. The teaching has been great. It's a great experience, a great environment, and a positive school. Come to Torchlight! You'll love it!
5 6/25/2020
My two sons just graduated from Torchlight Academy. They have been at Torchlight since Kindergarten. When I was looking for a good school for one when he turned 5 years old, I was very worried about where to place him, until I ran into a lady who referred me to Torchlight Academy and have never had any regrets since they started Kindergarten. I just wish there were more schools like this from k-12, with so much passion to educate children and push them to excellence. We just want to thank their teachers from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I recently looked at one of my son's Math workbook. I was so amazed to see how one of the teachers engages the children in Math. She is a great asset to the School. The teachers at Torchlight are all great teachers that helped to educate and mold them to the boys that they are today. We also want to thank all the other staffs, Principals, and most importantly, the great leaders and founders of this school, the wonderful Mr. Don McQueen and the amazing Dr. Cynthia McQueen. You all have contributed to the academic and psychological growth of our children, not to forget the discipline you instilled in them. This quarantine period has taught us (parents) how important a teacher's jobs are. We can't do your job. You have one of the hardest jobs. Thank you for all you did throughout this pandemic period.
5 6/1/2020
I have a daughter that goes to torchlight. This is a wonderful school. This is their first year being here. My child has learned a lot by being here. She has learned so many languages. She also has improved in her reading, spelling, and things like that. And I'm a proud parent to have my child here at Torchlight.
5 6/1/2020
My twin boys are here. They are 13 years old in the 8th grade. They've been going to Torchlight ever since Kindergarten. And Torchlight has been very good for the boys and my family. It teaches them respect for others. They know that they have a duty to do well in the community. It's also giving them a great foundation as far as discipline. Also cultural, they have a lot of respect for their history and their culture. And for that, I'm grateful.
4 4/21/2020
I have two sons here. They've been here for three years. They love it! They have learned Spanish and Arabic. They've had a wonderful time here with their friends. My son's in the 8th grade, so he is going to high school. My other son is going to the 7th grade, but he really, truly loved Torchlight. I thank Dr. McQueen, Thank You.
5 1/5/2019
I have two nieces who attend Torchlight, also I have a daughter that goes to Torchlight. This is a wonderful school. This is their first year being here, my child has have learned a lot since being here. She has learned so many different languages. She also has improved in her reading, spelling and things like that. I am a proud parent to have my child at Torchlight. -S.P.
2 6/10/2017
I loved the mission of the school but I had doubts when my kids attended the school. My son witnessed his teacher take a student in the closet and he came out crying. My daughter came home with bruises on her from the playground. The teacher never contacted me about it. I have taken my kids out. They were happy. As I mentioned earlier, I loved the school's mission but I couldn't get with the lack of communication from the teachers and all of the un answered questions I had.
5 11/15/2012
Torchlight is an excellent school. The pride, interest, love and expertise that comes from the staff, lead by Dr. McQueen, is nothing short of wonderful.Every human being who comes through these school walls comes away with the feeling that they matter and they should always stand tall, whether they are rich, or poor, they matter and can become something greater than they ever imagined. They academic programs are strong, their emphasis on exercise strengthens cognition and they place great emphasis on mental conditioning and clarity by supporting mental health outreach. Their disciplinary system is empowering,not elimination.
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