For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public charter schools serving 1,473 students in Sanford, NC.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Sanford, NC are Ascend Leadership Academy Lee County and Rising Leaders Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sanford, NC public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the North Carolina public charter school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 59% statewide average). Charter schools in Sanford have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public charter school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Sanford, NC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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%
Rank: n/an/a
Central Carolina Academy
Charter School
1801 Douglas Drive
Sanford, NC 27330
(984) 977-9455
Sanford, NC 27330
(984) 977-9455
Gr: 6-12 | 536 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Sanford, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Provisions Academy (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
806 Vance Street
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 775-7800
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 775-7800
Gr: 6-12 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Warren Williams Elementary Alternative (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
901 Lawrence St
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 774-3529
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 774-3529
Gr: PK-5 | 60 students Minority enrollment: 85%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Sanford, NC?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Sanford, NC include Ascend Leadership Academy Lee County and Rising Leaders Academy.
How many public charter schools are located in Sanford?
4 public charter schools are located in Sanford.
What is the racial composition of students in Sanford?
Sanford public charter schools minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public charter schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.