Best Public Schools in Stedman, NC

The city of Stedman, North Carolina, is served by two public elementary schools—Stedman Elementary and Stedman Primary—both part of the Cumberland County Schools district, with no middle or high schools located in the immediate area. Stedman Primary serves grades PK–1 with about 161 students, while Stedman Elementary serves grades 1–5 with about 284 students. Together, these schools educate roughly 445 students, and both serve very high-poverty populations, with over 97% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

Stedman Elementary is the clear academic standout. Despite nearly 99% economic disadvantage, it has earned 4 stars for three consecutive years and reached the 90th percentile statewide in 2025–2026, placing it in the top 10% of North Carolina elementary schools. On every End-of-Grade test in both 2024–2025 and 2025–2026, it outperformed both the district and state averages—often by wide margins, such as 83.1% proficiency in 3rd-grade math versus 61.6% for the district. It also posted dramatic year-over-year gains in 5th grade math (+14.6 points), reading (+15.7), and science (+14.9). Stedman Primary, by contrast, has no standardized test data because its youngest students are not yet tested, but it serves as an important feeder school. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 31.4% is notably high—above the state average of 24.2% and well above Stedman Elementary's 22.9%.

Parents should note the differences in learning environments. Stedman Elementary has a favorable student–teacher ratio of 10.9 to 1 and lower chronic absenteeism than both the district and state—a strong sign of engagement despite high poverty. Stedman Primary spends more per student ($12,763 vs. $11,859) yet has a higher student–teacher ratio of 14.6 to 1, likely reflecting costs of early-childhood programs. With no local middle or high school, families should plan for transitions beyond Stedman as children grow. Overall, Stedman Elementary is a proven bright spot within a district ranked at the 43rd percentile statewide, while Stedman Primary's main challenge is reducing chronic absenteeism in its earliest grades.