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Average

#1629 of 2,648 schools in NC

Shaw Academy

High School · Scotland County Schools

18700 Old Wire Road, Laurinburg, NC 28352

Enrollment

120

Student-Teacher

17.1:1

Score

5.8

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,629 of 2,648

In Laurinburg

#4 of 7

public schools

In district

#4 of 10

Scotland County Schools

Academic growth

9.0 / 10

Excellent

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Shaw Academy

5.8/10

High School in Laurinburg · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Spring Hill Middle

2.8/10

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

Wagram Elementary

4.0/10

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

About Shaw Academy

Shaw Academy is a public high school in Laurinburg, NC, part of Scotland County Schools. Shaw Academy serves approximately 120 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 17.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Shaw Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,629 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Shaw Academy show 11% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 13% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 5.8 · Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 120 students, Shaw Academy 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.

Test scores at Shaw Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Shaw Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.0Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.25 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics1.4Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency15.4% (2025 NC)
Reading vs. State Avg-38.2 pts
Overall Proficiency13% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-34.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile1th
College Readiness9.2Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,710
Chronic Absenteeism66.7%

Shaw Academy — Students at Shaw Academy score 13% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

97.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 10.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 12.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 27 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2010
Math
30%
ELA
10%
2011
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2012
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2013
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2014
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2015
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2016
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2017
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2018
Math
5%
ELA
10%
2019
Math
5%
ELA
10%
2020*
Math
10%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
25%
2025
ELA
15.4%

* 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: 9.0/10.

How Shaw Academy Compares

See how Shaw Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.8/10
39th percentile in NC
Academic
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
9.0/10
Excellent
Environment
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
98%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
66.7%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

18700 Old Wire Road, Laurinburg, NC 28352

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Shaw Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Scotland Early College High (rated 7.7/10, 6.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hoke County High (rated 5.5/10, 13.0 miles away, in nearby Raeford), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Scotland High School (rated 5.4/10, 6.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Laurinburg, see our Laurinburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Spring Hill Middle Laurinburg 2.3 mi 2.8
Wagram Elementary Wagram 3.3 mi 4.0
Scotland High School Laurinburg 6.5 mi 5.4
Scotland Early College High Laurinburg 6.7 mi 7.7
Laurel Hill Elementary Laurel Hill 6.4 mi 3.6
South Johnson Elementary Laurinburg 7.5 mi 8.4
Carver Middle Laurel Hill 6.4 mi 2.9
Sycamore Lane Primary Laurinburg 9.1 mi 6.9
Sycamore Lane Elementary Laurinburg 9.1 mi 3.4
Townsend Elementary Maxton 9.4 mi 3.9
West Hoke Elementary Raeford 9.2 mi 7.1
CHRIST THE CORNERSTONE ACADEMY Laurinburg 10.5 mi 6.6
Hawk Eye Elementary Red Springs 9.4 mi 5.0
Oxendine Elementary Maxton 9.7 mi 5.5
SCOTLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Laurinburg 11.2 mi 5.5
MIND AND SOUL SCHOOL Maxcon 14.0 mi
West Hoke Middle Raeford 13.0 mi 4.8
Hoke County High Raeford 13.0 mi 5.5
Upchurch Elementary Raeford 13.6 mi 6.6
Prospect Elementary Maxton 13.6 mi 6.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28352 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$41,635

Median Home Value

$112,300

Median Rent

$771/mo

Population

24,177

College Educated

16.4%

Homeownership

55%

Avg Commute

22.1 min

Poverty Rate

28.6%

Median Age

37.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Rutherford Opportunity Center Forest City, NC 5.7
Ashley Chapel Educational Center Rockingham, NC 5.9
Roanoke Rapids Early College High Roanoke Rapids, NC 5.9
Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences Dallas, NC 6.0
Ashe County Early College High West Jefferson, NC 5.5
Hallyburton Academy Drexel, NC 5.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Shaw Academy

What grades does Shaw Academy serve?

Shaw Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Shaw Academy?

Shaw Academy has an enrollment of approximately 120 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Shaw Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Shaw Academy is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Shaw Academy rank in NC?

Shaw Academy ranks #1,629 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Shaw Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Shaw Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 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 Shaw Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Shaw Academy has 11% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 13% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Shaw Academy a charter school?

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

Is Shaw Academy a Title I school?

No, Shaw Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Shaw Academy?

97.5% of students at Shaw Academy 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
22 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
120
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
7
Free/Reduced Lunch
97.5%
Type
alternative
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Scotland County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
66.7%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Scotland County Schools
District Enrollment
5,533
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,710
District Rank
#4 of 10

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

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