Serving 1,459 students in grades 9-12, Lee County High School 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 41% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,459 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lee County High serves the northeast part of Sanford, NC, covering an area of approximately 143.4 square miles. Most students live within a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 8.5 miles to the edge of the attendance zone and a maximum distance of 11.2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lee County High School's student population of 1,459 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 74 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,459 students
Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Year Founded
1992
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lee County High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lee County High School is 0.68, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1713 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)41%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
44%
22%
Black
23%
24%
White
29%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)87%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
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: Yellow Jacket
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lee County High School's ranking?
Lee County High School is ranked #1713 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Lee County High School often compared to?
Lee County High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Southern Lee High School, Lee Early College by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lee County High School?
The graduation rate of Lee County High School is 87%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Lee County High School?
1,459 students attend Lee County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Lee County High School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 23% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lee County High School?
Lee County High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Lee County High School offer ?
Lee County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lee County High School part of?
Lee County High School is part of Lee County Schools.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
This school attracts substandard teachers, and many students that graduate are functionally illiterate.
5 10/10/2025
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities.
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