Serving 267 students in grades 9-13, Wake Stem Early College High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥80% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (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 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 267 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 67%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Wake STEM Early College High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire district in Cary, NC, covering approximately 857.2 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes, with an average distance of 17.6 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 24.3 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wake Stem Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Wake Stem Early College High School's student population of 267 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
267 students
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
School Rankings
Wake Stem Early College High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wake Stem Early College High School is 0.75, which is more 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
#73 out of 2617 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥80%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
20%
5%
Hispanic
29%
22%
Black
14%
24%
White
33%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥90%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)4.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wake Stem Early College High School's ranking?
Wake Stem Early College High School is ranked #73 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Wake Stem Early College High School often compared to?
Wake Stem Early College High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Wake Early College Of Health And Science by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wake Stem Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Wake Stem Early College High School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Wake Stem Early College High School?
267 students attend Wake Stem Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Wake Stem Early College High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Asian, 14% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wake Stem Early College High School?
Wake Stem Early College High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Wake Stem Early College High School offer ?
Wake Stem Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wake Stem Early College High School part of?
Wake Stem Early College High School is part of Wake County Schools.
In what neighborhood is Wake Stem Early College High School located?
Wake Stem Early College High School is located in the Southwest Raleigh neighborhood of Cary, NC.
School Reviews
Review Wake Stem Early College 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
