Serving 645 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Northwest Harnett Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 61% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 645 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 61% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: LaFayette Elementary serves the northern part of Fuquay Varina, NC, covering an area of approximately 70.1 square miles. Families can typically expect a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 9.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Northwest Harnett Elementary School's student population of 645 students has grown by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
645 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
Northwest Harnett Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwest Harnett Elementary School is 0.57, 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
#1149 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)61%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
19%
22%
Black
10%
24%
White
62%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwest Harnett Elementary School's ranking?
Northwest Harnett Elementary School is ranked #1149 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Northwest Harnett Elementary School often compared to?
Northwest Harnett Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Harnett Primary by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
61% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Northwest Harnett Elementary School?
645 students attend Northwest Harnett Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Northwest Harnett Elementary School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwest Harnett Elementary School?
Northwest Harnett Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Northwest Harnett Elementary School offer ?
Northwest Harnett Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest Harnett Elementary School part of?
Northwest Harnett Elementary School is part of Harnett County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I went to Lafayette School in 1976-77 when Mr. Cecil Fuquay was Principal, wonderful man. What a great school! There's nothing I can say against the school at all. From the teachers, lunchroom food on to the office staff, it was a great year. I learned a lot that year from Lucille Jordan and Gale Penny. Two teachers that left an impact on me forever! We moved a lot and Layette was always ranked #1in a 7th graders heart and mind back then. Thanks & God Bless, Martha Johnson Wester.
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