Cary High School is one of six public high schools in Cary, North Carolina, and is part of the Wake County Public School System. In 1907, Cary High School became the first state-funded public high school in North Carolina. It was selected as a Blue Ribbon School in 2002.
Serving 2,136 students in grades 9-12, Cary High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 66% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,136 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 65% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 66% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cary High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Cary High School's student population of 2,136 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 123 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,136 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
123 teachers
Year Founded
1896
Colors
White, Kelly green
School Rankings
Cary High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cary High School is 0.70, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#511 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
4%
Hispanic
28%
21%
Black
17%
25%
White
44%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Imp
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cary High School's ranking?
Cary High School is ranked #511 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Cary High School often compared to?
Cary High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Apex High School, Green Hope High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Cary High School?
The graduation rate of Cary High School is 84%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Cary High School?
2,136 students attend Cary High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Cary High School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 6% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Cary High School?
Cary High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Cary High School offer ?
Cary High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cary High School part of?
Cary High School is part of Wake County Schools School District.
School Reviews
5 2/25/2011
The faculty of this school consistently challenges and nurtures the students. The music and drama programs are beyond excellent, and the arts are supported by the administration and the school system.
Review Cary High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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