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 1,185 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 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,185 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southern Lee High School's student population of 1,185 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,185 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
2005
Colors
Blue, Navy Blue, Orange
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 0.66, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1020 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
45%
21%
Black
19%
25%
White
32%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cavalier
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 91%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Southern Lee High School?
1,185 students attend Southern Lee High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Southern Lee High School students are Hispanic, 32% of students are White, 19% 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 15:1, which is equal to 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 School District.
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