Jesse O. Sanderson High School, more commonly called Sanderson High School, is a co-educational 9–12 public high school located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States in the Wake County Public School System. The school was founded in 1968.
Serving 1,648 students in grades 9-12, Sanderson High School ranks in the top 30% 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 60% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 66% (which is higher 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 53% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,648 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 82% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 60% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 66% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Sanderson High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Sanderson High School's student population of 1,648 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 91 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,648 students
Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Year Founded
1968
Colors
Royal blue, Scarlet
School Calendar
School Rankings
Sanderson High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sanderson 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
#636 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
5%
Hispanic
21%
22%
Black
23%
24%
White
47%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)82%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
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: Spartan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sanderson High School's ranking?
Sanderson High School is ranked #636 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Sanderson High School often compared to?
Sanderson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Millbrook High School, Leesville Road High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Sanderson High School?
The graduation rate of Sanderson High School is 82%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Sanderson High School?
1,648 students attend Sanderson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Sanderson High School students are White, 23% of students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sanderson High School?
Sanderson High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Sanderson High School offer ?
Sanderson High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Sanderson High School part of?
Sanderson High School is part of Wake County Schools.
In what neighborhood is Sanderson High School located?
Sanderson High School is located in the North Raleigh neighborhood of Raleigh, NC. There are 17 other public schools located in North Raleigh.
School Reviews
Review Sanderson High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
