Rising Leaders Academy

Rising Leaders Academy is a single K–8 school in Sanford, NC, serving 282 students and operating as its own district, so there are no other local schools to compare it to. Classified as an elementary school but spanning kindergarten through 8th grade, the school serves a student body where nearly 98% qualify for free or reduced lunch, and chronic absenteeism runs at 28.8%—higher than the state's 24.2%. The school's state ranking has declined over the past three years, from the 24th percentile in 2023–2024 to the 8th percentile in 2025–2026, while its district-level rank in Rising Leaders Academy places it in the 3rd percentile statewide.

Despite the overall downward trend, there are bright spots. In 2024–2025, 7th grade math proficiency reached 63.6%, beating the state average of 53.5%, and 6th grade reading essentially matched the state at 52.9% versus 52.3%. The 2025–2026 school year saw 3rd grade math and reading jump from 22.7% to 45.9% proficiency—a dramatic improvement in one year. However, the most recent state test comparisons show Rising Leaders Academy below the state in every subject and grade tested. The largest gaps are in 4th grade reading (only 28.9% proficient, a 28.8-point shortfall) and 5th grade science (39.4% proficient, a 28.3-point gap). Only 7th grade math and 6th grade reading have been at or above state averages in recent years.

The school's high poverty rate and elevated absenteeism create real challenges, and its small grade-level cohorts—roughly 30 students per grade—mean percentage swings can be misleading. A few students passing or failing can shift results by double digits from year to year. Overall, parents should view this data with nuance: early elementary grades are showing clear improvement, while middle school math is a proven strength. The most pressing needs are elementary reading, 4th grade proficiency, and 5th grade science, where the school trails the state by wide margins and has the greatest opportunity for targeted support.