Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy is a public secondary school for girls in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a part of Wake County Public School System. The school's current principal since 2022 is Dr. Mariah Walker. It has grades 6–12, with the Governor Morehead School's campus housing grades 6–10.
Serving 335 students in grades 6-13, Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy 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 75-79% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 87% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-13
- Enrollment: 335 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 87% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 90-94% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy's attendance zone encompasses the entire district in Raleigh, NC, covering approximately 857.2 square miles, with typical drives to the school ranging from 20 to 30 minutes and an average distance of 17.5 miles to the zone's edge. The furthest edge of the zone extends up to 23.6 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy 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 Young Women's Leadership Academy's student population of 335 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-13
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
335 students
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy 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 Young Women's Leadership Academy is 0.73, 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
#128 out of 2617 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)75-79%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
87%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
90-94%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
7%
5%
Hispanic
18%
22%
Black
33%
24%
White
35%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥90%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)11%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy's ranking?
Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy is ranked #128 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 87% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy?
The graduation rate of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy?
335 students attend Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy students are White, 33% of students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy?
Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy offer ?
Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-13 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy part of?
Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy is part of Wake County Schools.
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