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Excellent

#208 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 8% in state

Harnett County Early College

High School · Harnett County Schools

660 E Johnson St, Dunn, NC 28334

Enrollment

171

Student-Teacher

21.4:1

Score

8.5

Grades

9th – UG

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#208 of 2,648

In Dunn

#1 of 7

public schools

In district

#1 of 27

Harnett County Schools

Academic growth

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Harnett County Early College

8.5/10

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

Brookside Christian Academy

7.0/10

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

Dunn Elementary

6.4/10

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

About Harnett County Early College

Harnett County Early College is a public high school in Dunn, NC, part of Harnett County Schools. Harnett County Early College serves approximately 171 students, and covers grades 9th-UG, and has a 21.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Harnett County Early College has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.5 out of 10 and ranks #208 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Harnett County Early College show 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025) and 86% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025).

How it compares3.1 pts above district
  • This school 8.5 · Excellent
  • District avg 5.4
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 171 students, Harnett County Early College is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Harnett County Early College runs 21.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.9Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data6
Annual Change+4.86 pts/yr
Data Period2017–2025
TrendImproving
Academics9.9Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency96.5% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency98.2% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+40.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+44.6 pts
Overall Proficiency97% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+33.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile98th
College Readiness9.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,877
Chronic Absenteeism8.8%

Harnett County Early College — Students at Harnett County Early College score 97% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

41.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 66.5% (multi-year average, 2017-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 85.7% (multi-year average, 2017-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 10 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
64.5%
2018
Math
69.5%
ELA
90%
2019
Math
69.5%
ELA
90%
2020*
Math
69.5%
2021*
Math
69.5%
2025
Math
96.5%
ELA
98.2%

* 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: 9.9/10.

How Harnett County Early College Compares

See how Harnett County Early College performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.5/10
92th percentile in NC
Academic
9.9/10
Excellent
Growth
9.9/10
Excellent
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
42%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
8 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
8.8%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 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

660 E Johnson St, Dunn, NC 28334

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Harnett County Early College may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Midway High (rated 7.3/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Newton Grove), a more accessible option. Another option is South Johnston High (rated 5.1/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Four Oaks), a more accessible option. Additionally, Triton High (rated 4.9/10, 4.1 miles away, in nearby Erwin), a more accessible option. For more schools in Dunn, see our Dunn schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.1 mi
School Distance Rating
BROOKSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Dunn 1.0 mi 7.0
Dunn Elementary Dunn 1.1 mi 6.4
Dunn Middle Dunn 1.8 mi 5.3
FAITH EDUCATION ACADEMY Dunn 3.0 mi 6.0
Triton High Erwin 4.1 mi 4.9
Erwin Elementary Erwin 4.1 mi 3.6
Coats-Erwin Middle Dunn 5.5 mi 4.9
Plain View Elementary Dunn 6.1 mi 6.5
Benson Elementary Benson 6.7 mi 6.8
Benson Middle Benson 6.7 mi 5.1
Coats Elementary Coats 7.7 mi 4.5
FALCON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Falcon 8.4 mi 8.4
South Johnston High Four Oaks 8.9 mi 5.1
Meadow School Benson 8.3 mi 7.3
Midway Middle Dunn 10.6 mi 6.6
Buies Creek Elementary Buies Creek 10.4 mi 4.5
Midway Elementary Dunn 11.5 mi 7.0
Midway High Newton Grove 11.8 mi 7.3
District No 7 Elementary Wade 12.6 mi 4.8
McGee's Crossroads Elem Angier 14.1 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28334 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$54,527

Median Home Value

$171,300

Median Rent

$826/mo

Population

22,393

College Educated

17.6%

Homeownership

70.4%

Avg Commute

27.4 min

Poverty Rate

14.5%

Median Age

43.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Cleveland ECHS Shelby, NC 8.5
Edgecombe Early College High Tarboro, NC 8.5
Middle College at GTCC-Greensboro Jamestown, NC 8.5
NERSBA Early College Jamesville, NC 8.5
Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy Elizabethtown, NC 8.5
Pender Early College High Burgaw, NC 8.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Harnett County Early College

What grades does Harnett County Early College serve?

Harnett County Early College serves students in grades 9th through UG.

How many students attend Harnett County Early College?

Harnett County Early College has an enrollment of approximately 171 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Harnett County Early College?

The student-teacher ratio at Harnett County Early College is 21.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Harnett County Early College rank in NC?

Harnett County Early College ranks #208 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Harnett County Early College's MySchoolScout rating?

Harnett County Early College has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.5 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 Harnett County Early College?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Harnett County Early College has 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025) and 86% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025).

Is Harnett County Early College a charter school?

No, Harnett County Early College is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Harnett County Early College a Title I school?

No, Harnett County Early College is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Harnett County Early College?

41.5% of students at Harnett County Early College 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
37 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
171
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
8
Free/Reduced Lunch
41.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Harnett County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
8.8%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Harnett County Schools
District Enrollment
20,033
Schools in District
29
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,877
District Rank
#1 of 27

How we rate schools

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