Average
#1763 of 2,648 schools in NC
Western Harnett Middle
Middle School · Harnett County Schools
11135 NC Hwy 27 West, Lillington, NC 27546
Enrollment
766
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
5.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
766
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
5.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,763 of 2,648
In Lillington
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#12 of 27
Harnett County Schools
Academic growth
7.7 / 10
Very Good
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Western Harnett Middle
Middle School in Lillington · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Western Harnett High
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Independence Academy
2.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Western Harnett Middle
Western Harnett Middle is a public middle school in Lillington, NC, part of Harnett County Schools. Western Harnett Middle serves approximately 766 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Western Harnett Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,763 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Western Harnett Middle show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.5 · Average
- District avg 5.1
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
Western Harnett Middle 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.
45% of students at Western Harnett Middle 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Western Harnett Middle — Students at Western Harnett Middle score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
57.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 35 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.7/10.
How Western Harnett Middle Compares
See how Western Harnett Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
11135 NC Hwy 27 West, Lillington, NC 27546
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Western Harnett Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Highland Middle (rated 6.2/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Sanford), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Overhills Middle (rated 4.8/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Spring Lake), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Spring Lake Middle (rated 4.5/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Spring Lake), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Lillington, see our Lillington schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Western Harnett High Lillington | 0.4 mi | 5.1 |
| INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY Broadway | 2.4 mi | — |
| Anderson Creek Academy Spring Lake | 4.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Highland Middle Sanford | 3.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Highland Elementary Sanford | 3.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Boone Trail Elementary Mamers | 4.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Anderson Creek Primary Bunnlevel | 5.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Overhills Middle Spring Lake | 6.2 mi | 4.8 |
| Overhills Elementary Spring Lake | 6.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Overhills High Spring Lake | 6.3 mi | 3.8 |
| Benhaven Elementary Sanford | 5.3 mi | 8.1 |
| South Harnett Elementary Bunnlevel | 5.9 mi | 5.0 |
| Johnsonville Elementary Cameron | 6.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Broadway Elementary Broadway | 8.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Lillington-Shawtown Elementary Lillington | 9.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Manchester Elementary Spring Lake | 11.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Ascend Leadership Academy: Lee County Sanford | 10.3 mi | 5.7 |
| Spring Lake Middle Spring Lake | 11.6 mi | 4.5 |
| East Lee Middle Sanford | 11.2 mi | 4.3 |
| STAR Academy Lillington | 10.3 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27546 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,781
Median Home Value
$227,000
Median Rent
$1,079/mo
Population
20,802
College Educated
26%
Homeownership
65.4%
Avg Commute
30.7 min
Poverty Rate
21%
Median Age
36.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hanes Magnet School Winston-Salem, NC | 5.5 |
| North Asheboro Middle Asheboro, NC | 5.5 |
| Swain County Middle School Bryson City, NC | 5.5 |
| West McDowell Middle School Marion, NC | 5.5 |
| Anne Chesnutt Middle Fayetteville, NC | 5.4 |
| Cleveland Middle Garner, NC | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Harnett Middle
What grades does Western Harnett Middle serve?
Western Harnett Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Western Harnett Middle?
Western Harnett Middle has an enrollment of approximately 766 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Harnett Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Western Harnett Middle is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Western Harnett Middle rank in NC?
Western Harnett Middle ranks #1,763 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Western Harnett Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Western Harnett Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 Western Harnett Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Western Harnett Middle has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Western Harnett Middle a charter school?
No, Western Harnett Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Western Harnett Middle a Title I school?
No, Western Harnett Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western Harnett Middle?
57.3% of students at Western Harnett 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 766
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 47
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 57.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Harnett County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 45.3%
- Phone
- (919) 499-4497
Resources & Links
District
Harnett County Schools- District Enrollment
- 20,033
- Schools in District
- 29
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,877
- District Rank
- #12 of 27
Other Schools in This District
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