Average
#2000 of 2,648 schools in NC
Highland Middle
Middle School · Harnett County Schools
345 Highland School Rd, Sanford, NC 27332
Enrollment
803
Student-Teacher
15.7:1
Score
5.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
803
Student-Teacher
15.7:1
Score
5.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sanford
#16 of 19
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#341 of 475
In district
#15 of 27
Harnett County Schools
About Highland Middle
Highland Middle serves grades six through eight in Sanford, North Carolina, with an enrollment of 803 students. Located at 345 Highland School Rd in rural Harnett County near town, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.7:1 with 51 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Academically, Highland Middle is working to strengthen its performance across core subjects.
Currently, 42% of students are proficient or above in both English language arts and math, with room for academic growth in these foundational areas. The school's academic score of 3.7/10 reflects the challenges its students face, and it ranks in the lower percentile within North Carolina schools. For families considering this middle school, it's important to understand that the student body is developing its skills and that the school is focused on supporting student progress.
The rural setting near town provides a distinct community character that shapes the school environment and student experience at Highland Middle.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Highland Middle 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Highland Middle — Students at Highland Middle score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
65.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 12 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 6.0/10.
How Highland Middle Compares
See how Highland Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 33% (2019) to 45.9% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 39% (2019) to 42.5% (2025).
Location
345 Highland School Rd, Sanford, NC 27332
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highland Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Spring Lake Middle (rated 6.3/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Spring Lake), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Western Harnett Middle (rated 5.1/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Lillington), with a very similar rating. Additionally, East Lee Middle (rated 4.9/10, 11.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Sanford, see our Sanford schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Elementary Sanford | 0.2 mi | 7.2 |
| INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY Broadway | 2.1 mi | — |
| Benhaven Elementary Sanford | 3.3 mi | 7.3 |
| Western Harnett Middle Lillington | 3.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Johnsonville Elementary Cameron | 3.4 mi | 8.2 |
| Western Harnett High Lillington | 3.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Anderson Creek Academy Spring Lake | 4.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Overhills Middle Spring Lake | 5.6 mi | 4.7 |
| Overhills High Spring Lake | 5.6 mi | 3.6 |
| Overhills Elementary Spring Lake | 5.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Anderson Creek Primary Bunnlevel | 7.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Boone Trail Elementary Mamers | 8.3 mi | 6.8 |
| South Harnett Elementary Bunnlevel | 8.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Broadway Elementary Broadway | 10.2 mi | 6.8 |
| Manchester Elementary Spring Lake | 10.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Spring Lake Middle Spring Lake | 10.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Ascend Leadership Academy: Lee County Sanford | 10.2 mi | 5.4 |
| William T Brown Elementary Spring Lake | 10.8 mi | 5.4 |
| East Lee Middle Sanford | 11.6 mi | 4.9 |
| J Glenn Edwards Elementary Sanford | 11.2 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27332 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$73,075
Median Home Value
$224,000
Median Rent
$1,086/mo
Population
34,378
College Educated
22.9%
Homeownership
74.7%
Avg Commute
29.5 min
Poverty Rate
9.5%
Median Age
40
Community Profile
The community surrounding Highland Middle has a median household income of $73,075. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $224,000, with a median rent of $1,086/month. The local poverty rate of 9.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 30 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 |
|---|---|
| China Grove Middle China Grove, NC | 5.3 |
| E Lawson Brown Middle Thomasville, NC | 5.3 |
| East Lincoln Middle Iron Station, NC | 5.3 |
| Erwin Middle Salisbury, NC | 5.3 |
| Gray's Creek Middle Hope Mills, NC | 5.3 |
| Hertford County Middle Murfreesboro, NC | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highland Middle
What grades does Highland Middle serve?
Highland Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Highland Middle?
Highland Middle has an enrollment of approximately 803 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Highland Middle is 15.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highland Middle rank in NC?
Highland Middle is ranked #2000 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Highland Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland Middle has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Highland Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highland Middle has 41.6% math proficiency and 41.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Highland Middle a charter school?
No, Highland Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highland Middle a Title I school?
No, Highland Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland Middle?
65.3% of students at Highland Middle 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
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Elevated (1,237/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 803
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 51
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 65.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Harnett County
- Phone
- (919) 498-3331
- 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
- #15 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
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.