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Average

#1824 of 2,648 schools in NC

South Stanly High

High School · Stanly County Schools

40488 S Stanly School Rd, Norwood, NC 28128

Enrollment

434

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

5.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,824 of 2,648

In Norwood

#3 of 4

public schools

In district

#15 of 22

Stanly County Schools

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South Stanly High

5.4/10

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

South Stanly Middle

4.3/10

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

Tillery Christian Academy

4.8/10

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

About South Stanly High

South Stanly High is a public high school in Norwood, NC, part of Stanly County Schools. South Stanly High serves approximately 434 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. South Stanly High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,824 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for South Stanly High show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 5.4 · Average
  • District avg 6.1
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

South Stanly High 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.

37% of students at South Stanly 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-1.95 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency61.9% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency46.6% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+5.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7 pts
Overall Proficiency54% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)59% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-4.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
College Readiness6.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation1.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,914
Chronic Absenteeism37.3%

South Stanly High — Students at South Stanly High score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

58.8%

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 50.2% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
92%
ELA
47%
2010
Math
97.5%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2013
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2015
Math
57%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
52%
2025
Math
61.9%
ELA
46.6%

* 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 South Stanly High Compares

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

Overall Score
5.4/10
31th percentile in NC
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
4.6/10
Below Average
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 3
Sports
17
8 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
59%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
1.4% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics17sports offered
8 boys'·9 girls'·19 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

40488 S Stanly School Rd, Norwood, NC 28128

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Stanly High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Stanly Early College High (rated 8.1/10, 8.5 miles away, in nearby Albemarle), which scores notably higher. Another option is Stanly STEM Early College (rated 6.0/10, 9.8 miles away, in nearby Albemarle), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, West Stanly High (rated 6.0/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Oakboro), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Norwood, see our Norwood schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.0 mi
School Distance Rating
South Stanly Middle Norwood 0.7 mi 4.3
TILLERY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Norwood 2.4 mi 4.8
Norwood Elementary Norwood 2.8 mi 5.8
Aquadale Elementary Norwood 3.4 mi 7.3
East Albemarle Elementary Albemarle 8.3 mi 3.7
Albemarle Middle Albemarle 8.5 mi 2.4
Central Elementary Albemarle 8.7 mi 3.4
Stanly Early College High Albemarle 8.5 mi 8.1
STRAITWAY BAPTIST SCHOOL Albemarle 9.4 mi
Ansonville Elementary Wadesboro 9.2 mi 8.0
Endy Elementary Albemarle 8.4 mi 5.6
Stanly Academy Learning Center Albemarle 9.5 mi
Stanly County Virtual Education Albemarle 9.5 mi 2.8
Albemarle High Albemarle 9.8 mi 4.5
Stanly STEM Early College Albemarle 9.8 mi 6.0
Mount Gilead Elementary Mount Gilead 9.1 mi 3.2
Oakboro Choice STEM Oakboro 9.7 mi 9.6
Badin Elementary Badin 12.2 mi 8.6
West Stanly High Oakboro 10.6 mi 6.0
North Stanly Middle New London 13.0 mi 4.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28128 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,941

Median Home Value

$179,700

Median Rent

$828/mo

Population

7,610

College Educated

22.3%

Homeownership

69.7%

Avg Commute

29.2 min

Poverty Rate

11.1%

Median Age

41.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Northwest Halifax Collegiate and Technic Littleton, NC 5.5
THALES ACADEMY Rolesville, NC 5.3
COASTAL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Wilmington, NC 5.6
Hertford County High Ahoskie, NC 5.6
Murphy High Murphy, NC 5.6
Swain County High School Bryson City, NC 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Stanly High

What grades does South Stanly High serve?

South Stanly High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend South Stanly High?

South Stanly High has an enrollment of approximately 434 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Stanly High?

The student-teacher ratio at South Stanly High is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Stanly High rank in NC?

South Stanly High ranks #1,824 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is South Stanly High's MySchoolScout rating?

South Stanly High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 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 South Stanly High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Stanly High has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is South Stanly High a charter school?

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

Is South Stanly High a Title I school?

No, South Stanly High is not currently a Title I school.

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

58.8% of students at South Stanly 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
16 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
434
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
26
Free/Reduced Lunch
58.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Stanly County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.3%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Stanly County Schools
District Enrollment
8,739
Schools in District
23
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,914
District Rank
#15 of 22

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