Below Average
#2206 of 2,648 schools in NC
Harnett Central High
High School · Harnett County Schools
2911 Harnett Central Rd, Angier, NC 27501
Enrollment
1,493
Student-Teacher
19.9:1
Score
4.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,493
Student-Teacher
19.9:1
Score
4.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Angier
#5 of 6
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#508 of 579
In district
#21 of 27
Harnett County Schools
About Harnett Central High
Harnett Central High serves 1,493 students in grades 9-12 in Angier, North Carolina, operating with a student-teacher ratio of 19.9:1 and 75 full-time equivalent teachers. This public high school is working to strengthen its academic foundation, with current performance showing room for growth as students scored 47% proficient in English Language Arts and 26% proficient in mathematics. The school ranks in the 7th percentile among North Carolina high schools, earning a 2.5 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating, indicating significant opportunities for academic improvement and student support.
Despite these challenges, the school serves a community with relatively stable economic foundations, where the median household income reaches $71,476 and the poverty rate sits at a manageable 9.9%. Located in the 27501 ZIP code area, the school draws from a population of 22,339 residents, with 22% holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The median home value of $220,700 reflects a community investing in its future.
Harnett Central High sits in a rural setting near town, providing students with a blend of small-town accessibility and countryside tranquility while working toward enhanced educational outcomes for its sizable student body.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Harnett Central High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Harnett Central High — Students at Harnett Central High score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
54.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 28 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: 4.1/10.
How Harnett Central High Compares
See how Harnett Central High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 78% (2009) to 33.8% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 59% (2009) to 47.2% (2025).
Location
2911 Harnett Central Rd, Angier, NC 27501
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Harnett Central High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Fuquay-Varina High (rated 7.8/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Fuquay-Varina), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Willow Spring High (rated 4.2/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Fuquay-Varina), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Angier, see our Angier schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Harnett Central Middle Angier | 0.4 mi | 4.0 |
| North Harnett Primary Angier | 1.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Harnett Virtual Academy Fuquay-Varina | 2.8 mi | 2.0 |
| Angier Elementary Angier | 3.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Buies Creek Elementary Buies Creek | 4.3 mi | 4.3 |
| Achievement Charter Academy Fuquay-Varina | 4.7 mi | 4.8 |
| STAR Academy Lillington | 5.1 mi | — |
| Carolina Charter Academy Angier | 5.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Lillington-Shawtown Elementary Lillington | 5.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Northwest Harnett Elementary Fuquay-Varina | 7.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Coats Elementary Coats | 7.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Willow Spring High Fuquay-Varina | 8.1 mi | 4.2 |
| Fuquay-Varina Middle Fuquay-Varina | 8.4 mi | 6.9 |
| South Lakes Elementary Fuquay-Varina | 8.4 mi | 8.8 |
| Lincoln Heights Elementary Fuquay-Varina | 8.9 mi | 8.0 |
| Fuquay-Varina High Fuquay-Varina | 9.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Willow Springs Elementary Willow Spring | 9.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Fuquay-Varina Elementary Fuquay-Varina | 9.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Coats-Erwin Middle Dunn | 9.2 mi | 5.1 |
| Ballentine Elementary Fuquay-Varina | 10.4 mi | 8.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27501 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,217
Median Home Value
$251,100
Median Rent
$1,008/mo
Population
23,237
College Educated
23.5%
Homeownership
77.1%
Avg Commute
38.5 min
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Median Age
39.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Harnett Central High has a median household income of $71,217. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $251,100, with a median rent of $1,008/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.3%. The average commute in the area is 39 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Charlotte, NC | 4.5 |
| North Brunswick High Leland, NC | 4.5 |
| Northern High Durham, NC | 4.5 |
| Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi Durham, NC | 4.5 |
| East Forsyth High Kernersville, NC | 4.6 |
| Fike High Wilson, NC | 4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Harnett Central High
What grades does Harnett Central High serve?
Harnett Central High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Harnett Central High?
Harnett Central High has an enrollment of approximately 1,493 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Harnett Central High?
The student-teacher ratio at Harnett Central High is 19.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Harnett Central High rank in NC?
Harnett Central High is ranked #2206 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Harnett Central High's MySchoolScout rating?
Harnett Central High has a composite rating of 4.5 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 Harnett Central High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Harnett Central High has 42.0% math proficiency and 49.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Harnett Central High a charter school?
No, Harnett Central High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Harnett Central High a Title I school?
No, Harnett Central High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Harnett Central High?
54.4% of students at Harnett Central 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,493
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 75
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 54.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Harnett County
- Chronic Absenteeism
- 27.8%
- Phone
- (919) 639-6161
- 4-Year Graduation
- 90.0%
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Harnett County Schools- District Enrollment
- 20,033
- Schools in District
- 29
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,877
- District Rank
- #21 of 27
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
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