Sanderson High

Summary:

Sanderson High is a public high school in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving 1,677 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Wake County Schools district, which is ranked 59th out of 242 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While Sanderson High has seen a shift in its student demographics, with a decrease in White students and an increase in Hispanic students, the school's performance has declined over the years. Its statewide ranking has dropped from 140th out of 531 North Carolina high schools in 2014-2015 to 357th out of 640 in 2023-2024, and its SchoolDigger rating has decreased from 4 stars to 2 stars. Sanderson High's performance varies significantly across different student subgroups, with White and Multi-racial students performing relatively well, but African American, Hispanic, and English Language Learner students struggling, ranking in the bottom quartile of North Carolina high schools. The school's proficiency rates on End-of-Course (EOC) exams are generally lower than the Wake County Schools and North Carolina averages, particularly in Math I and Math III.

Interestingly, Sanderson High's performance is generally lower than that of nearby magnet and charter schools, such as Enloe High, Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy, and Raleigh Charter High School, which consistently rank higher and have stronger academic outcomes. However, Sanderson High outperforms some nearby traditional public schools, such as Phillips High, which has significantly lower proficiency rates and a lower statewide ranking. The school's growing population of students from lower-income backgrounds, as indicated by the increase in the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, may contribute to its academic challenges.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 5500 Dixon Drive
       Raleigh, NC  27609-4202


(919) 881-4800

District: Wake County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
357th of 640 North Carolina High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,965 Help


Feeder schools for Sanderson High:

Elementary:    Brooks Elementary
    Douglas Elementary
    Lead Mine Elementary
    Lynn Road Elementary
Middle:    Carroll Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  17.3 Help
Number of students:  1,661

Racial breakdown:

White:
47.0%
African American:
23.7%
Hispanic:
22.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  43.7% Help


 See top rated North Carolina high schools

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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Sanderson High ranks worse than 55.8% of high schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 25th among 32 ranked high schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 42.07. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Sanderson High is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (47%), African American (23.7%), Hispanic (22.2%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 43.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Sanderson High is 17.3, which is the 11th best among 32 high schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Sanderson High employs 95.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Sanderson High is $8,965. 16 high schools in the Wake County Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Sanderson High:

SchoolDigger ranks Sanderson High 357th of 640 North Carolina public high schools. (See Sanderson High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Homeless students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Wake County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Wake County Schools 59th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Sanderson High

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Rank History for all students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 68.94 81st 431 81.2%
2007 74.16 42nd 453 90.7%
2008 72.81 53rd 477 88.9%
2009 76.44 38th 490 92.2%
2010 68.50 92nd 499 81.6%
2011 69.58 86th 506 83.0%
2012 52.74 205th 502 59.2%
2013 56.36 101st 505 80.0%
2014 51.99 144th 451 68.1%
2015 54.54 140th 531 73.6%
2016 49.12 167th 507 67.1%
2017 45.94 212th 476 55.5%
2018 48.67 223rd 469 52.5%
2019 46.61 235th 514 54.3%
2021 44.38 308th 594 48.1%
2022 45.87 316th 621 49.1%
2023 41.80 337th 626 46.2%
2024 42.07 357th 640 44.2%
See the entire list of North Carolina High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 74.33 42nd 185 77.3%
2019 45.61 105th 195 46.2%
2021 64.72 61st 199 69.3%
2022 14.98 214th 226 5.3%
2023 63.78 71st 249 71.5%
2024 48.21 134th 261 48.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 22.08 124th 147 15.6%
2019 34.64 114th 173 34.1%
2022 26.57 123rd 156 21.2%
2023 25.29 190th 226 15.9%
2024 19.18 254th 262 3.1%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 48.15 132nd 349 62.2%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 20.04 361st 424 14.9%
2019 21.36 361st 446 19.1%
2021 26.61 302nd 432 30.1%
2022 28.96 385th 544 29.2%
2023 21.11 498th 597 16.6%
2024 24.62 468th 613 23.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 30.20 36th 47 23.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 51.04 218th 449 51.4%
2019 46.05 229th 475 51.8%
2021 40.78 243rd 475 48.8%
2022 45.18 317th 594 46.6%
2023 42.23 335th 588 43.0%
2024 32.78 412th 602 31.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 51.74 118th 349 66.2%
2019 63.17 75th 364 79.4%
2021 78.55 34th 334 89.8%
2022 46.03 133rd 330 59.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 80.05 3rd 100 97.0%
2019 62.40 117th 325 64.0%
2021 59.02 159th 337 52.8%
2022 48.96 260th 398 34.7%
2023 67.41 137th 403 66.0%
2024 60.15 198th 403 50.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 44.18 243rd 463 47.5%
2019 43.91 236th 488 51.6%
2021 44.69 208th 481 56.8%
2022 45.22 299th 585 48.9%
2023 39.57 346th 602 42.5%
2024 49.06 296th 607 51.2%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.43 66th 77 14.3%
2019 5.48 86th 89 3.4%
2021 10.29 72nd 83 13.3%
2022 43.85 61st 91 33.0%
2023 41.94 67th 98 31.6%
2024 8.91 94th 101 6.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 26.71 275th 359 23.4%
2019 33.92 223rd 369 39.6%
2021 33.79 203rd 364 44.2%
2022 36.28 241st 430 44.0%
2023 21.57 367th 434 15.4%
2024 26.46 333rd 437 23.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 17.96 304th 340 10.6%
2019 27.13 276th 354 22.0%
2021 26.01 280th 370 24.3%
2022 22.89 359th 436 17.7%
2023 21.70 382nd 449 14.9%
2024 20.21 389th 454 14.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Sanderson High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.73 74th 427 82.7%
2019 65.32 108th 444 75.7%
2021 54.68 156th 439 64.5%
2022 63.00 194th 534 63.7%
2023 64.55 190th 537 64.6%
2024 64.97 202nd 553 63.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Sanderson High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

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Enrollment information for Sanderson High

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1569 427 87 17 0 n/a n/a -1 2099
1989 1452 438 89 14 0 n/a n/a 0 1993
1990 1391 389 98 14 0 n/a n/a 0 1892
1991 1314 388 104 23 1 n/a n/a 0 1830
1992 1336 410 101 21 3 n/a n/a 0 1871
1993 1332 407 114 26 5 n/a n/a 0 1884
1994 1254 478 90 40 4 n/a n/a 0 1866
1995 1216 479 74 59 4 n/a n/a 0 1832
1996 1216 479 74 59 4 n/a n/a 0 1832
1997 1189 464 98 76 4 n/a n/a 0 1831
1998 1147 485 113 83 3 n/a n/a 0 1831
1999 1137 466 95 67 3 n/a n/a 0 1768
2000 1344 524 90 80 5 n/a n/a 0 2043
2001 1001 461 55 62 5 n/a n/a 0 1584
2002 986 528 40 106 3 n/a n/a 0 1663
2003 986 528 40 106 3 n/a n/a 0 1663
2004 1027 590 41 111 1 n/a n/a 0 1770
2005 1029 636 50 111 1 n/a n/a 0 1827
2006 1057 644 48 142 3 n/a n/a 0 1894
2007 1077 580 49 155 3 n/a n/a 53 1917
2008 998 514 44 141 4 n/a n/a 51 1752
2009 1049 631 68 196 2 n/a n/a 0 1946
2010 1048 666 69 202 3 n/a n/a 0 1988
2011 1052 477 70 222 5 0 79 0 1905
2012 1077 509 86 263 6 0 74 0 2015
2013 1101 529 84 287 6 0 79 0 2086
2014 1089 497 80 262 6 6 72 0 2012
2015 1074 500 73 298 5 2 50 0 2002
2016 1037 506 63 312 4 5 54 0 1981
2017 1012 517 57 309 5 5 55 0 1960
2018 1019 551 57 338 6 5 74 0 2050
2019 969 490 57 308 4 7 67 0 1902
2020 943 421 56 291 8 3 68 0 1790
2021 888 377 54 271 7 1 60 0 1658
2022 838 373 50 291 4 0 54 0 1610
2023 838 379 45 355 6 0 54 0 1677
2024 780 394 45 368 5 2 67 0 1661

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Sanderson High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2099 128.0 16.3 7.6
1989 1993 128.0 15.5 12.9
1990 1892 86.0 22.0 13.6
1991 1830 115.0 15.9 14
1992 1871 115.0 16.2 6.4
1993 1884 113.0 16.7 9
1994 1866 109.0 17.1 9.2
1995 1832 107.0 17.1 11.5
1996 1832 107.0 17.1 11.5
1997 1831 107.0 17.1 11.9
1998 1831 121.0 15.1 11.5
1999 1768 110.0 16.1 15
2000 2043 110.0 18.6 12.4
2001 1584 96.0 16.5 12.8
2002 1663 108.0 15.4 22
2003 1663 108.0 15.4 22
2004 1770 108.0 16.4 23.6
2005 1827 107.0 17.1 27.9
2006 1894 123.0 15.4 24.5
2007 1917 121.8 15.7 26.3
2008 1752 119.9 14.6 n/a
2009 1946 117.1 16.6 n/a
2010 1988 116.5 17.0 30.8
2011 1905 107.8 17.6 28.1
2012 2015 111.2 18.1 32.2
2013 2086 111.0 18.7 33.7
2014 2012 114.6 17.5 30.4
2015 2002 111.0 18.0 33.5
2016 1981 113.0 17.5 33.8
2017 1960 110.5 17.7 34.2
2018 2050 112.9 18.1 32.2
2019 1902 105.8 17.9 31.3
2020 1790 100.9 17.7 29.5
2021 1658 99.7 16.6 25.3
2022 1610 96.5 16.6 23.2
2023 1677 93.1 18.0 39.4
2024 1661 95.5 17.3 43.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Sanderson High

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2099 128.0 16.3 7.6
1989 1993 128.0 15.5 12.9
1990 1892 86.0 22.0 13.6
1991 1830 115.0 15.9 14
1992 1871 115.0 16.2 6.4
1993 1884 113.0 16.7 9
1994 1866 109.0 17.1 9.2
1995 1832 107.0 17.1 11.5
1996 1832 107.0 17.1 11.5
1997 1831 107.0 17.1 11.9
1998 1831 121.0 15.1 11.5
1999 1768 110.0 16.1 15
2000 2043 110.0 18.6 12.4
2001 1584 96.0 16.5 12.8
2002 1663 108.0 15.4 22
2003 1663 108.0 15.4 22
2004 1770 108.0 16.4 23.6
2005 1827 107.0 17.1 27.9
2006 1894 123.0 15.4 24.5
2007 1917 121.8 15.7 26.3
2008 1752 119.9 14.6 n/a
2009 1946 117.1 16.6 n/a
2010 1988 116.5 17.0 30.8
2011 1905 107.8 17.6 28.1
2012 2015 111.2 18.1 32.2
2013 2086 111.0 18.7 33.7
2014 2012 114.6 17.5 30.4
2015 2002 111.0 18.0 33.5
2016 1981 113.0 17.5 33.8
2017 1960 110.5 17.7 34.2
2018 2050 112.9 18.1 32.2
2019 1902 105.8 17.9 31.3
2020 1790 100.9 17.7 29.5
2021 1658 99.7 16.6 25.3
2022 1610 96.5 16.6 23.2
2023 1677 93.1 18.0 39.4
2024 1661 95.5 17.3 43.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Sanderson High

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $528 (5.9%) $8,437 (94.1%) $8,965

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Sanderson High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 235th of 514 High schoolsRanks 337th of 626 High schools
 8.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Biology (Sanderson High)51.948.2
 3.7%
   End of Course Biology (Wake County Schools)66.162
 4.1%
   End of Course Biology (North Carolina)59.654.1
 5.5%
End of Course English II (Sanderson High)60.857
 3.8%
   End of Course English II (Wake County Schools)68.671.4
 2.8%
   End of Course English II (North Carolina)59.758.5
 1.2%
End of Course Math I (Sanderson High)30.424.9
 5.5%
   End of Course Math I (Wake County Schools)34.633
 1.6%
   End of Course Math I (North Carolina)41.235.9
 5.3%
End of Course Math III (Sanderson High)5463.1
 9.1%
   End of Course Math III (Wake County Schools)53.571.4
 17.9%
   End of Course Math III (North Carolina)46.858.3
 11.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students19021677
 11.8%
African American490379
 22.7%
American Indian46
 50%
Asian5745
 21.1%
Hispanic308355
 15.3%
Pacific Islander70
 100%
White969838
 13.5%
Two or More Races6754
 19.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients31.3%39.4%
 8.1%


Schools Near Sanderson High









Frequently Asked Questions about Sanderson High

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,661 students attended Sanderson High.

Sanderson High ranks 357th of 640 North Carolina high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Sanderson High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Brooks Elementary
Elementary : Douglas Elementary
Elementary : Lead Mine Elementary
Elementary : Lynn Road Elementary
Middle : Carroll Middle

Students at Sanderson High are 47% White, 24% African American, 22% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races, 3% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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