For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 5,323 students in 27332, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 854 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in 27332, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 27332, NC are Benhaven Elementary School, Southern Lee High School and Ascend Leadership Academy Lee County. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27332 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27332, NC have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27332, NC Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Benhaven Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
520 Olive Farm Dr
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 499-4811
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 499-4811
Gr: PK-5 | 1,065 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Southern Lee High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2301 Tramway Road
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 718-2400
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 718-2400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,180 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #33.
Ascend Leadership Academy Lee County
Charter School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
283 Harvey Faulk Road
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 842-5411
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 842-5411
Gr: 6-12 | 628 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #44.
J Glenn Edwards Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3115 Cemetery Rd
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 774-3733
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 774-3733
Gr: K-5 | 587 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #55.
Sanlee Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2309 Tramway Rd
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 708-7227
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 708-7227
Gr: 6-8 | 792 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #66.
Highland Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
345 Highland School Rd
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 498-3331
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 498-3331
Gr: 6-8 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #77.
Rising Leaders Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2732 Industrial Drive
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 745-1442
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 745-1442
Gr: K-8 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: n/an/a
Ascend Leadership Remote Academy
Charter School
283 Harvey Faulk Rd
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 842-5411
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 842-5411
Gr: 6-8 | 27 students Minority enrollment: 48%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 27332, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27332, NC include Benhaven Elementary School, Southern Lee High School and Ascend Leadership Academy Lee County.
How many public schools are located in 27332?
8 public schools are located in 27332.
What percentage of students in 27332 go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in 27332 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27332?
27332 public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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