Southern Lee High School is one of two high schools in Sanford, North Carolina, and serves grades 9–12. The school mascot is the cavalier and the school's colors are navy and orange.
Serving 1,180 students in grades 9-12, Southern Lee High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 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 (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,180 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southern Lee High School serves the southwest part of Sanford, NC, covering an attendance area of approximately 115.8 square miles. Most students can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 8.4 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 10.7 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southern Lee High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Southern Lee High School's student population of 1,180 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,180 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2005
School Rankings
Southern Lee High 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 Southern Lee High School is 0.67, 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
#1020 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60-64%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
44%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Black
21%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
White
31%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
88%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
1%
Showing 2015–2024. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Navy Blue, Orange
School Mascot
Cavalier
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Lee High School's ranking?
Southern Lee High School is ranked #1020 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Southern Lee High School often compared to?
Southern Lee High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lee County High School, Lee Early College by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southern Lee High School?
The graduation rate of Southern Lee High School is 88%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Southern Lee High School?
1,180 students attend Southern Lee High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Southern Lee High School students are Hispanic, 31% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Lee High School?
Southern Lee High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southern Lee High School offer ?
Southern Lee High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southern Lee High School part of?
Southern Lee High School is part of Lee County Schools.
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