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Average

#1374 of 2,648 schools in NC

Cape Fear High

High School · Cumberland County Schools

4762 Clinton Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312

Enrollment

1,514

Student-Teacher

17.8:1

Score

6.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,374 of 2,648

In Fayetteville

#26 of 66

public schools

In district

#33 of 84

Cumberland County Schools

Academic performance

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Cape Fear High

6.2/10

High School in Fayetteville · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Mac Williams Middle

5.2/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Sunnyside Elementary

4.3/10

2.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Cape Fear High

Cape Fear High is a public high school in Fayetteville, NC, part of Cumberland County Schools. Cape Fear High serves approximately 1,514 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Cape Fear High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,374 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Cape Fear High show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Cape Fear High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

41% of students at Cape Fear High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.5Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.16 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics8.1Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency74.4% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency59.5% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+18.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+5.9 pts
Overall Proficiency67% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)61% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+5.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile72th
College Readiness5.5Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84%
AP Participation12.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,118
Chronic Absenteeism40.6%

Cape Fear High — Students at Cape Fear High score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

50.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 59.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 56.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
90%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
85%
ELA
75%
2011
Math
86%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
49%
ELA
58%
2013
Math
44%
ELA
53%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
48%
2015
Math
49%
ELA
49%
2016
Math
56%
ELA
46%
2017
Math
0.5%
ELA
48%
2018
Math
57%
ELA
51%
2019
Math
57%
ELA
51%
2020*
Math
75%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
75%
ELA
47%
2025
Math
74.4%
ELA
59.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.5/10.

How Cape Fear High Compares

See how Cape Fear High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
48th percentile in NC
Academic
8.1/10
Excellent
Growth
7.5/10
Very Good
Environment
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3
Sports
23
11 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
85 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
40.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
12.7% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics23sports offered
11 boys'·12 girls'·34 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

4762 Clinton Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Cape Fear High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Massey Hill Classical High (rated 8.6/10, 7.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Reid Ross Classical High (rated 8.0/10, 8.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cumberland Academy 6-12 Virtual School (rated 7.2/10, 6.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Fayetteville, see our Fayetteville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Mac Williams Middle Fayetteville 0.2 mi 5.2
Sunnyside Elementary Fayetteville 2.0 mi 4.3
J W Seabrook Elementary Fayetteville 3.3 mi 6.7
Armstrong Elementary Eastover 4.3 mi 8.2
Stedman Elementary Stedman 4.0 mi 7.8
Stedman Primary Stedman 4.2 mi 5.8
Eastover-Central Elementary Eastover 6.1 mi 7.9
THE SCHOOL OF HOPE Fayetteville 6.1 mi 7.0
Walker-Spivey Elementary Fayetteville 6.3 mi 2.8
ST ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fayetteville 6.5 mi 7.7
Cumberland Academy 6-12 Virtual School Fayetteville 6.7 mi 7.2
Cumberland Academy K-5 Virtual School Fayetteville 6.7 mi 7.1
The Capitol Encore Academy Fayetteville 6.8 mi 5.6
District No 7 Elementary Wade 8.6 mi 4.8
Ramsey Street High Fayetteville 7.5 mi
Luther Nick Jeralds Middle Fayetteville 7.7 mi 3.5
Massey Hill Classical High Fayetteville 7.5 mi 8.6
Reid Ross Classical Middle Fayetteville 8.0 mi 8.3
Reid Ross Classical High Fayetteville 8.0 mi 8.0
Lucile Souders Elementary Fayetteville 8.1 mi 3.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28312 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,441

Median Home Value

$207,300

Median Rent

$961/mo

Population

19,889

College Educated

26.8%

Homeownership

73.2%

Avg Commute

26.8 min

Poverty Rate

16.2%

Median Age

43.5

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
James Hunt High Wilson, NC 6.2
McDowell High School Marion, NC 6.2
West Carteret High Morehead City, NC 6.2
Western Alamance High Elon, NC 6.2
Eugene Ashley High Wilmington, NC 6.3
Forestview High Gastonia, NC 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cape Fear High

What grades does Cape Fear High serve?

Cape Fear High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Cape Fear High?

Cape Fear High has an enrollment of approximately 1,514 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Cape Fear High?

The student-teacher ratio at Cape Fear High is 17.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Cape Fear High rank in NC?

Cape Fear High ranks #1,374 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Cape Fear High's MySchoolScout rating?

Cape Fear High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Cape Fear High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Cape Fear High has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Cape Fear High a charter school?

No, Cape Fear High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Cape Fear High a Title I school?

No, Cape Fear High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cape Fear High?

50.9% of students at Cape Fear High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
14 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,514
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
85
Free/Reduced Lunch
50.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Cumberland County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
40.6%
4-Year Graduation
84.0%

District

Cumberland County Schools
District Enrollment
49,314
Schools in District
86
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,118
District Rank
#33 of 84

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