Serving 235 students in grades 9-13, Lee Early College ranks in the top 1% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥90% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-89% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 34:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% 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: 9-13
- Enrollment: 235 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 34:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 30% in NC)
- Math Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Attendance Zone: Lee Early College's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Sanford, NC, covering approximately 259.2 square miles, with typical drive times of 15-20 minutes and an average distance of about 9.9 miles to the zone's edge, reaching up to 12 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lee Early College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Lee Early College's student population of 235 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has declined by 36% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
235 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Rankings
The diversity score of Lee Early College is 0.62, 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.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≥90%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
34:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
5%
Hispanic
53%
22%
Black
8%
24%
White
31%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)2.1%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Lee Early College often compared to?
Lee Early Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Lee County High School, Southern Lee High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NC state average), while 80-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lee Early College?
The graduation rate of Lee Early College is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Lee Early College?
235 students attend Lee Early College.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Lee Early College students are Hispanic, 31% of students are White, 8% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lee Early College?
Lee Early College has a student ration of 34:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Lee Early College offer ?
Lee Early College offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lee Early College part of?
Lee Early College is part of Lee County Schools.
School Reviews
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