Average
#1910 of 2,648 schools in NC
Cary High
High School · Wake County Schools
638 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27511
Enrollment
2,136
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,136
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cary
#30 of 32
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#269 of 579
In district
#163 of 194
Wake County Schools
About Cary High
Cary High serves 2,136 students in grades 9-12 in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, earning a solid 7.2 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout. This large public high school ranks #680 out of 2,661 schools statewide, placing it in the 74th percentile with an impressive 8.5 academic score. With 122 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 17.5:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for meaningful classroom interaction.
Academically, Cary High demonstrates strong performance in English Language Arts, with 70% of students achieving proficiency or above across grade levels. Math performance shows 53% of students meeting proficiency standards, indicating solid foundations with opportunities for continued growth. The school benefits from its location in an affluent, education-focused community where 57% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
Students at Cary High come from families with a median household income of $98,474, and the surrounding ZIP code maintains a low 7% poverty rate. The neighborhood's median home value of $373,200 reflects the area's desirability and stability. Located on Walnut Street in this thriving mid-size city, Cary High sits at the center of one of Wake County's most sought-after communities, known for its commitment to education and family-friendly atmosphere.
What Parents Should Know
Cary High is a large school with 2,136 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cary High — Students at Cary High score 51% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
41.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 2.1/10.
How Cary High Compares
See how Cary High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 61% (2019) to 31.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 58% (2019) to 69.9% (2025).
Location
638 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27511
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cary High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Crossroads FLEX (rated 8.0/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wake STEM Early College High School (rated 5.9/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, SCORE Academy (rated 4.0/10, 2.0 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cary, see our Cary schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Adams Elementary Cary | 0.4 mi | 6.7 |
| East Cary Middle Cary | 0.4 mi | 8.5 |
| Farmington Woods Elementary Cary | 1.1 mi | 8.5 |
| Cary Elementary Cary | 1.1 mi | 8.3 |
| TRUE ABALITIES LRNG. ACADEMY LLC Cary | 1.0 mi | — |
| TRIANGLE MONTESSORI ACADEMY Cary | 1.2 mi | 7.6 |
| Briarcliff Elementary Cary | 1.2 mi | 6.0 |
| RENAISSANCE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CARY Cary | 1.3 mi | — |
| Kingswood Elementary Cary | 1.6 mi | 8.6 |
| Connections Academy Cary | 1.4 mi | — |
| GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Raleigh | 1.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Wake STEM Early College High School Cary | 1.9 mi | 5.9 |
| Cardinal Charter Academy Cary | 2.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Northwoods Elementary Cary | 2.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Crossroads FLEX Cary | 2.0 mi | 8.0 |
| SCORE Academy Cary | 2.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Reedy Creek Elementary Cary | 2.8 mi | 7.9 |
| Reedy Creek Middle Cary | 2.8 mi | 6.8 |
| West Cary Middle Cary | 2.6 mi | 6.9 |
| Swift Creek Elementary Raleigh | 2.6 mi | 8.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27511 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$104,072
Median Home Value
$416,600
Median Rent
$1,436/mo
Population
33,279
College Educated
57.8%
Homeownership
67.4%
Avg Commute
22.9 min
Poverty Rate
8.1%
Median Age
41.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cary High has a median household income of $104,072. It is a well-educated community where 58% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $416,600, with a median rent of $1,436/month. The local poverty rate of 8.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Butler High School Matthews, NC | 5.5 |
| Millbrook High Raleigh, NC | 5.5 |
| Parkland High Winston-Salem, NC | 5.5 |
| Pinecrest High Southern Pines, NC | 5.5 |
| West Forsyth High Clemmons, NC | 5.5 |
| Apex High Apex, NC | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cary High
What grades does Cary High serve?
Cary High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Cary High?
Cary High has an enrollment of approximately 2,136 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cary High?
The student-teacher ratio at Cary High is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cary High rank in NC?
Cary High is ranked #1910 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Cary High's MySchoolScout rating?
Cary High has a composite rating of 5.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Cary High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cary High has 49.8% math proficiency and 64.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cary High a charter school?
No, Cary High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cary High a Title I school?
No, Cary High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cary High?
41.7% of students at Cary 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.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,136
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 122
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 41.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Wake County
- Phone
- (919) 460-3549
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Wake County Schools- District Enrollment
- 161,481
- Schools in District
- 197
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,691
- District Rank
- #163 of 194
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.