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Average

#1684 of 2,648 schools in NC

Sanderson High

High School · Wake County Schools

5500 Dixon Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

Enrollment

1,661

Student-Teacher

17.5:1

Score

5.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,684 of 2,648

In Raleigh

#69 of 98

public schools

In district

#147 of 194

Wake County Schools

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Sanderson High

5.7/10

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

Green Elementary

5.5/10

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

The Fletcher Academy

8.9/10

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

About Sanderson High

Sanderson High is a public high school in Raleigh, NC, part of Wake County Schools. Sanderson High serves approximately 1,661 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Sanderson High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,684 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Sanderson High show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.3 pts below district
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • District avg 7.0
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

32% of students at Sanderson 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 Progress4.6Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.94 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.4Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency58.5% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.9% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+2.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.3 pts
Overall Proficiency58% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-5.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile49th
College Readiness7.4Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate89%
AP Participation19.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,691
Chronic Absenteeism32.4%

Sanderson High — Students at Sanderson High score 58% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

43.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 54.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 62.6% (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

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
92%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
92%
ELA
76%
2011
Math
89%
ELA
90%
2012
Math
44%
ELA
63%
2013
Math
36%
ELA
60%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
48%
ELA
58%
2016
Math
43%
ELA
53%
2017
Math
0.5%
ELA
55%
2018
Math
50%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
50%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
57%
ELA
63%
2021*
Math
57%
ELA
63%
2025
Math
58.5%
ELA
56.9%

* 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: 4.6/10.

How Sanderson High Compares

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

Overall Score
5.7/10
36th percentile in NC
Academic
6.4/10
Average
Growth
4.6/10
Below Average
Environment
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3
Sports
20
9 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
44%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
95 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
19.4% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics20sports offered
9 boys'·11 girls'·39 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

5500 Dixon Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sanderson High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Jeffreys Grove Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is THE FLETCHER ACADEMY (rated 8.9/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Root Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Raleigh, see our Raleigh schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Green Elementary Raleigh 0.5 mi 5.5
THE FLETCHER ACADEMY Raleigh 0.9 mi 8.9
Brooks Elementary Raleigh 1.2 mi 5.2
Carroll Middle Raleigh 1.3 mi 5.9
ST TIMOTHYS SCHOOL Raleigh 1.4 mi 5.6
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH Raleigh 1.4 mi 6.9
Lynn Road Elementary Raleigh 1.4 mi 7.7
Douglas Elementary Raleigh 1.8 mi 6.9
RAVENSCROFT SCHOOL Raleigh 1.8 mi 6.8
ST RAPHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Raleigh 1.6 mi 6.2
North Ridge Elementary Raleigh 2.0 mi 8.0
ST PHILIP LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL Raleigh 2.0 mi
Lead Mine Elementary Raleigh 2.2 mi 6.1
FRIENDSHIP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Raleigh 1.9 mi 8.4
NEUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Raleigh 2.2 mi 7.1
Jeffreys Grove Elementary Raleigh 2.0 mi 9.2
THE TRILOGY SCHOOL Raleigh 2.3 mi 7.4
West Millbrook Middle Raleigh 2.3 mi 7.1
Root Elementary Raleigh 2.5 mi 8.8
York Elementary Raleigh 2.1 mi 7.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27609 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$81,538

Median Home Value

$441,100

Median Rent

$1,393/mo

Population

35,548

College Educated

61.2%

Homeownership

51.1%

Avg Commute

21.7 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

38.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Clayton High Clayton, NC 5.7
Independence High School Charlotte, NC 5.7
Asheboro High Asheboro, NC 5.8
Concord High Concord, NC 5.8
Lumberton Senior High Lumberton, NC 5.8
East Rowan High Salisbury, NC 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sanderson High

What grades does Sanderson High serve?

Sanderson High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Sanderson High?

Sanderson High has an enrollment of approximately 1,661 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sanderson High?

The student-teacher ratio at Sanderson 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 Sanderson High rank in NC?

Sanderson High ranks #1,684 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Sanderson High's MySchoolScout rating?

Sanderson High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 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 Sanderson High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sanderson High has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Sanderson High a charter school?

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

Is Sanderson High a Title I school?

No, Sanderson High is not currently a Title I school.

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

43.7% of students at Sanderson 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
32 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
32 Some Transit
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,661
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
95
Free/Reduced Lunch
43.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Wake County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.4%
4-Year Graduation
89.0%

District

Wake County Schools
District Enrollment
161,481
Schools in District
197
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,691
District Rank
#147 of 194

How we rate schools

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