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Anderson Creek Academy

Public, Charter Grades K-5

96^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,492 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Better than 94% of North Carolina elementary schools

Summary

Anderson Creek Academy is a small K-5 elementary school in Spring Lake, NC, serving 305 students and operating as its own district. It holds a 5-star rating and ranks 96th out of 1,492 elementary schools statewide—the top 6%—making it one of North Carolina's highest-performing schools. As a district, Anderson Creek Academy ranks in the 96th percentile, a striking gap from the systems around it: Harnett County Schools sits in the 30th percentile and Cumberland County Schools in the 43rd.

Test scores reinforce that picture. On 2025-2026 state EOG exams, Anderson Creek Academy beat state proficiency rates in every subject and grade. Reading proficiency ranged from 80% to 88.4%, compared with state rates around 55–58%. Among every nearby EOG-tested elementary school, none reached even 69% proficiency on any grade-level reading test. Fifth-grade science hit 93% proficiency—well ahead of Johnsonville Elementary's 77%, the next-best nearby school. The closest competitor statewide, Johnsonville Elementary, ranks in the 71st percentile but trails Anderson Creek Academy by 20 to 30 percentage points on most reading and science tests. Overhills Elementary and Benhaven Elementary rank near the 57th–59th percentile, and several other neighborhood schools fall in the bottom third of the state.

What makes Anderson Creek Academy especially noteworthy is its success with students who are often underserved. It ranks #6 in the state for academic performance among low-income students and #5 among North Carolina schools serving military-connected students—an important consideration for Spring Lake families tied to Fort Liberty. Chronic absenteeism has improved for three straight years, dropping from 24.3% to 15.2%, well below the state average of 24.2%. Math scores dipped slightly in 2025-2026 after several very strong years, though they remain above state averages. Anderson Creek Academy has climbed steadily from the 61st percentile in 2015-2016 to its current top-5% standing—a decade-long trajectory that signals genuine, sustained improvement.

305

Students ?

15.2

Student/teacher ratio ?

4.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

4940 Ray Road
Spring Lake, NC 28390

(910) 814-9001

District: Anderson Creek Academy

Racial breakdown:

White:

57.0%

Hispanic:

14.8%

Two or more races:

12.1%

See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

Compare Anderson Creek Academy to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 61st percentile in 2016 → 94th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the North Carolina average (84% vs 61% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 6% of North Carolina elementary schools

✓Ranking is trending up — up 33 percentile points since 2016

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school84%

North Carolina avg61%

96^th of 1,492

North Carolina public elementary schools ?

Top 6%▲ up 32 pts since 2016

From top 39% (2016) to top 6% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of North Carolina Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

11^th of 246Anderson Creek Academy among North Carolina districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	91.2	96 of 1492	93.6%	★★★★★
2025	92.6	77 of 1490	94.8%	★★★★★
2024	89.6	118 of 1505	92.2%	★★★★★
2023	90.7	99 of 1502	93.4%	★★★★★
2022	82.6	213 of 1514	85.9%	★★★★☆
2021	84.1	194 of 1489	87.0%	★★★★☆
2019	84.5	173 of 1473	88.3%	★★★★☆
2018	83.6	175 of 1434	87.8%	★★★★☆
2017	75.5	316 of 1429	77.9%	★★★★☆
2016	60.6	549 of 1425	61.5%	★★★☆☆
2015	66.2	472 of 1440	67.2%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	90.0	93 of 1447	93.6%	★★★★★
2025	90.6	83 of 1451	94.3%	★★★★★
2024	89.8	99 of 1455	93.2%	★★★★★
2023	89.6	99 of 1459	93.2%	★★★★★
2022	84.9	157 of 1458	89.2%	★★★★☆
2021	83.7	175 of 1440	87.8%	★★★★☆
2019	76.7	266 of 1424	81.3%	★★★★☆
2018	82.8	173 of 1405	87.7%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2018	82.9	80 of 851	90.6%	★★★★★

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2025	97.4	6 of 1437	99.6%	★★★★★
2024	90.1	51 of 1450	96.5%	★★★★★
2023	90.9	41 of 1437	97.1%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	89.2	101 of 1451	93.0%	★★★★★
2025	91.7	79 of 1450	94.6%	★★★★★
2024	85.9	151 of 1464	89.7%	★★★★☆
2023	89.1	106 of 1461	92.7%	★★★★★
2022	75.1	304 of 1464	79.2%	★★★★☆
2021	79.7	244 of 1444	83.1%	★★★★☆
2019	89.0	104 of 1430	92.7%	★★★★★
2018	82.0	188 of 1413	86.7%	★★★★☆

Military Connected

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	85.8	5 of 67	92.5%	★★★★★
2025	72.5	11 of 72	84.7%	★★★★☆
2024	61.3	27 of 75	64.0%	★★★☆☆
2023	82.3	11 of 81	86.4%	★★★★☆
2022	49.0	48 of 85	43.5%	★★☆☆☆
2021	59.6	31 of 76	59.2%	★★★☆☆
2019	64.7	24 of 72	66.7%	★★★☆☆
2018	66.8	24 of 76	68.4%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	79.5	199 of 1146	82.6%	★★★★☆
2025	83.6	146 of 1172	87.5%	★★★★☆
2024	81.1	178 of 1166	84.7%	★★★★☆
2023	82.4	150 of 1183	87.3%	★★★★☆
2022	69.4	327 of 1194	72.6%	★★★★☆
2021	65.9	368 of 1172	68.6%	★★★☆☆
2019	76.7	224 of 1183	81.1%	★★★★☆
2018	64.3	413 of 1178	64.9%	★★★☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)100th percentile+5 vs school

Female (2026)94th percentile~ school

Male (2026)93rd percentile~ school

Military Connected (2026)93rd percentile~ school

Hispanic (2018)91st percentile+3 vs school

White (2026)83rd percentile-11 vs school

By subject vs North Carolina (2025-2026) ?

Science93%+25 vs state

Reading85%+29 vs state

Mathematics80%+17 vs state

1.4

10 ratings · 9 written reviews

5★1

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★9

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What people are saying

by a parent
Tuesday, November 11, 2025

10/10 – Excellent School!

My daughter has attended this school for a few years, and we’ve had a wonderful experience. A bit overwhelming at first but then we loved it. The curriculum is challenging, but that’s one of the main reasons we chose it. She’s grown so much and still loves coming to school every day.

The teachers are caring and dedicated, and the principal and support staff are truly exceptional. The principal is sharp, talented, and runs the school with great attention to both academics and student well-being.

The school also feels very safe and secure, which is a huge plus for me as a parent. I highly recommend this school to any family looking for a place where students are both supported and challenged to do their best. - Nick H. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, August 11, 2024

I, alongside many others, have serious concerns about the lack of safety and support for military families at Anderson Creek Academy, despite its Purple Heart "accreditation". The school has failed to implement essential support systems such as dedicated counseling, peer support programs, and resources for military parents. Furthermore, the school has experienced numerous lockdowns due to safety concerns, yet parents were never notified, leaving us in the dark about our children's safety.

The situation is compounded by the high turnover rate among staff, which the drastically under-qualified "Head of School" inaccurately attributes to “military moves.” Conversations with former staff reveal that their departures were due to mistreatment rather than relocations, and many newly hired staff have also left under similar circumstances. This school should urgently strengthen support programs, stabilize staffing, and improve communication regarding safety protocols. Military families deserve better, and immediate action is needed to align with the commitments of the Purple Heart accreditation. Close Quote

by a teacher
Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Staff turnover very very high. New HOS and admin staff shes hired has ruined the school. Not a safe or good place to work OR put your children. Close Quote

by a teacher
Sunday, June 23, 2024

Where do I begin? As a teacher, I've encountered an endless list of grievances that have pushed me to the brink of burnout at ACA. Here are just a few:

Unrealistic Expectations: Expected to perform miracles on a shoestring budget and limited resources.

Overwhelming Workload: Grading papers until the wee hours? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Lesson planning, meetings, and administrative tasks devour any semblance of free time.

Lack of Support: When it comes to student behavior issues or classroom management, it's often sink or swim. Support from administration? Rarely seen.

Constant Pressure: From standardized testing to parental expectations, the pressure cooker is always on high.

Low Pay: Working overtime with no compensation and still barely making ends meet? Thanks, but no thanks.

In conclusion, unless you enjoy stress, sleep deprivation, and being undervalued, steer clear of this school. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, May 19, 2024

I am writing to express my profound disappointment regarding the enrollment process and subsequent experiences my family has had with Anderson Creek Academy.

When my wife and I decided to move into the Anderson Creek community, one of the primary factors influencing our decision was the assurance from our realtor that enrolling our child in your school would be seamless. However, this assurance proved to be far from the reality we encountered.

It took us over two years of persistent effort and advocacy to secure a place for our child in this school. Despite being assured of a fair process, we were met with bureaucratic hurdles and a seemingly arbitrary lottery system that left us feeling powerless and frustrated. Worse still, we discovered that the purported fairness of this system was merely a facade, with the principal seemingly hand-picking students at her own discretion.

Once our child finally gained admission, our concerns only grew. The reports we heard about the new principal's dismissive attitude towards parent concerns were unfortunately proven true in our interactions. Instances of bullying were brushed aside, and even simple requests regarding dress code were met with unnecessary rigidity. The insistence on specific uniform colors, including one to celebrate the principal on "principles Day," felt excessive and arbitrary.

As parents, we value education and community, but our experience with this school has left us disillusioned and disheartened. We implore the school to reassess enrollment process and administrative practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all students and families. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, June 29, 2023

Horrible school. Definitely questionable use of public funding as well. The principal has less than 5 years of overall teaching experience, and all teachers are brand new and hired based on their personal relationships with the principal. Teacher turnover is extremely high and children suffer academically due to this. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, June 9, 2023

This school disappoints and fails to meet even the most basic standards. The campus itself is desolate and lacks essential facilities such as a cafeteria, sports, and music program, depriving students of a well-rounded education. However, it is the principal who truly taints the school's reputation. She exudes an off-putting demeanor, treating others with condescension and a sense of superiority. Her youth and inexperience clearly hinder her ability to lead effectively. Her self-centered nature is apparent in her relentless pursuit of the spotlight at every event, overshadowing the students' achievements. Additionally, the principal exhibits favoritism towards her friends on staff, granting them preferential treatment while expecting the same for her own child. This unfairness undermines the educational environment and harms the other children. ACA falls far short of providing a nurturing and equitable learning environment, leaving much to be desired. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Went against my better judgement after reading the numerous online reviews and tried out this school… I should have listened to ya'll online! Don't make my mistake…do NOT send your child here! My son is now at public and doing MUCH better. ACA is unorganized… poorly managed… and constantly playing favorites with treatment of students, families, and faculty. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, April 24, 2020

I honestly can't say anything good about this school except for the fact that we have had ONE good teacher since our child started attending. Compared to our experience with Harnett County public schools, this school as been awful. Communication is a serious problem and it really seems like the school administration either doesn't know what they are doing or simply does not care. I do not believe this school has our children's best interests at heart and would highly advise parents to enroll their children in one of the county schools. The county schools provide a much higher quality of education, communication and engagement. Close Quote

Schools Near Anderson Creek Academy

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				EOG Mathematics (2026)			EOG Reading (2026)			EOG Science (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	EOG Mathematics 3rd Grade	EOG Mathematics 4th Grade	EOG Mathematics 5th Grade	EOG Reading 3rd Grade	EOG Reading 4th Grade	EOG Reading 5th Grade	EOG Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Anderson Creek Academy	Public, Charter	K-5	4940 Ray Road	Spring Lake	28390	Cumberland County	Anderson Creek Academy	Yes	No	No	No	(910) 814-9001	305	20	15.2		174 (57.0%)	36 (11.8%)	45 (14.8%)	2 (0.7%)	9 (3.0%)	2 (0.7%)	37 (12.1%)	91.2	96^th of 1492 public elementary schools	93.6%		92.6	77^th of 1490 public elementary schools	94.8%	19	84.4	83.7	72.1	80.0	86.0	88.4	93.0
Overhills Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	2626 Ray Road	Spring Lake	28390	Cumberland County	Harnett County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 436-3545	866	53	16.2	54.4%	272 (31.4%)	269 (31.1%)	187 (21.6%)	8 (0.9%)	5 (0.6%)	11 (1.3%)	114 (13.2%)	55.5	648^th of 1492 public elementary schools	56.6%		45.1	830^th of 1490 public elementary schools	44.3%	182	67.5	55.5	67.5	59.6	58.9	52.0	69.1	$8,755	$1,118	$7,637
Anderson Creek Primary	Public	PK, KG-2	914 Anderson Creek Sch Rd	Bunnlevel	28323	Harnett County	Harnett County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 893-4523	553	38	14.5	98.2%	218 (39.4%)	167 (30.2%)	115 (20.8%)	4 (0.7%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	46 (8.3%)								(n/a)								$10,316	$1,371	$8,945
Highland Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	1915 Buffalo Lake Road	Sanford	27330	Lee County	Harnett County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(919) 499-2200	854	57	15.0	54.6%	382 (44.7%)	154 (18.0%)	238 (27.9%)	6 (0.7%)	2 (0.2%)	8 (0.9%)	64 (7.5%)	55.4	649^th of 1492 public elementary schools	56.5%		56.7	615^th of 1490 public elementary schools	58.7%	34	77.1	58.5	54.7	61.4	55.8	55.5	65.6	$8,595	$1,050	$7,546
South Harnett Elementary	Public	3-5	8335 NC 210 South	Bunnlevel	28323	Harnett County	Harnett County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 893-9153	476	34	14.2	97.1%	190 (39.9%)	133 (27.9%)	104 (21.8%)	3 (0.6%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	43 (9.0%)	35.5	994^th of 1492 public elementary schools	33.4%		26.3	1148^th of 1490 public elementary schools	23.0%	154	51.6	48.0	55.1	45.8	52.0	51.5	65.4	$8,707	$1,152	$7,555
Johnsonville Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	18495 NC HWY 27 West	Cameron	28326	Harnett County	Harnett County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(919) 499-4912	489	31	15.5	99.2%	171 (35.0%)	116 (23.7%)	152 (31.1%)	4 (0.8%)	5 (1.0%)	3 (0.6%)	38 (7.8%)	69.1	433^rd of 1492 public elementary schools	71.0%		47.3	793^rd of 1490 public elementary schools	46.8%	360	75.3	75.3	73.0	57.0	58.9	59.5	77.0	$9,975	$1,423	$8,552
Benhaven Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	520 Olive Farm Dr	Sanford	27332	Lee County	Harnett County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(919) 499-4811	1,065	65	16.4	44.3%	494 (46.4%)	222 (20.8%)	211 (19.8%)	20 (1.9%)	3 (0.3%)	6 (0.6%)	109 (10.2%)	57.8	614^th of 1492 public elementary schools	58.8%		66.8	449^th of 1490 public elementary schools	69.9%	165	72.3	67.6	68.5	55.5	58.0	53.3	63.0	$8,663	$866	$7,797
Manchester Elementary	Public	K-5	611 Spring Avenue	Spring Lake	28390	Cumberland County	Cumberland County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 436-2151	254	18	14.1	98.8%	39 (15.4%)	139 (54.7%)	46 (18.1%)	4 (1.6%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (9.8%)	34.8	1007^th of 1492 public elementary schools	32.5%		29.1	1103^rd of 1490 public elementary schools	26.0%	96	63.0	60.4	42.0	47.8	68.8	34.0	44.0	$9,267	$1,263	$8,004
William T Brown Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	2522 Andrews Church Road	Spring Lake	28390	Cumberland County	Cumberland County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 497-1258	562	33	16.8	98.2%	48 (8.5%)	355 (63.2%)	103 (18.3%)	5 (0.9%)	6 (1.1%)	6 (1.1%)	39 (6.9%)	28.9	1116^th of 1492 public elementary schools	25.2%		20.5	1271^st of 1490 public elementary schools	14.7%	155	47.9	62.5	40.0	42.5	52.5	41.7	51.7	$12,758	$1,937	$10,821
Boone Trail Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	1425 Adcock Road	Lillington	27552	Harnett County	Harnett County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(910) 893-4013	545	37	14.7	98.7%	229 (42.0%)	79 (14.5%)	208 (38.2%)	3 (0.6%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (4.6%)	25	1189^th of 1492 public elementary schools	20.3%		20.9	1263^rd of 1490 public elementary schools	15.2%	74	71.3	43.6	45.5	52.1	38.3	30.7	42.6	$9,275	$1,308	$7,968

Frequently Asked Questions about Anderson Creek Academy

What is the racial makeup of Anderson Creek Academy?

Students at Anderson Creek Academy are 57% White, 15% Hispanic, 12% Two or more races, 12% African American, 3% American Indian.

How many students attend Anderson Creek Academy?

In the 2024-25 school year, 305 students attended Anderson Creek Academy.

What district is Anderson Creek Academy in?

Anderson Creek Academy

Is Anderson Creek Academy a good school?

Yes. Anderson Creek Academy ranks in the top 6.4% of North Carolina elementary schools.

Rate Anderson Creek Academy!

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Latest North Carolina data All new data »

2017–18 through 2025–26 attendance data & graduation ratesSep 2, 2026

2025–26 EOC & EOG test scoresSep 2, 2026

2016–17 through 2024–25 graduation ratesSep 3, 2025

2024–25 EOC & EOG test scoresSep 3, 2025

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.