Terry Sanford High School is a public high school in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It is named after Terry Sanford, who was a North Carolina state senator, Governor of North Carolina, and United States Senator. Students range from grades 9–12 and is a part of the Cumberland County School System.
Serving 1,201 students in grades 9-12, Terry Sanford High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,201 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Terry Sanford High serves the west part of Fayetteville, NC, covering an area of approximately 19.9 square miles. Most students can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 4.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Terry Sanford High School's student population of 1,201 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,201 students
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Year Founded
1968
Colors
White, Blue, Red
Campus Size
50 acres
School Rankings
Terry Sanford High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Terry Sanford High School is 0.69, 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
#1430 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)35-39%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
5%
Hispanic
13%
22%
Black
47%
24%
White
26%
42%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)78%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terry Sanford High School's ranking?
Terry Sanford High School is ranked #1430 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Terry Sanford High School often compared to?
Terry Sanford High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jack Britt High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Terry Sanford High School?
The graduation rate of Terry Sanford High School is 78%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Terry Sanford High School?
1,201 students attend Terry Sanford High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Terry Sanford High School students are Black, 26% of students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Terry Sanford High School?
Terry Sanford High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Terry Sanford High School offer ?
Terry Sanford High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Terry Sanford High School part of?
Terry Sanford High School is part of Cumberland County Schools.
In what neighborhood is Terry Sanford High School located?
Terry Sanford High School is located in the Terry Sanford neighborhood of Fayetteville, NC. There are 11 other public schools located in Terry Sanford.
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