Wake STEM Early College High School

Summary:

Wake STEM Early College High School is a public high school serving grades 9-12 in Cary, North Carolina, with a student population of 263. As part of the Wake County Schools district, which is ranked 59 out of 242 districts in the state, this school has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance, ranking among the top high schools in North Carolina.

One of the key factors that sets Wake STEM Early College High School apart is its outstanding academic achievement. The school consistently outperforms the Wake County Schools district and the state of North Carolina in end-of-course (EOC) test scores across subjects like Biology, English II, Math I, and Math III. For example, in 2023-2024, the school had an 84.6% proficiency rate in Biology EOC, compared to 61.7% for Wake County and 53.4% for North Carolina. Additionally, the school has been ranked as high as 7th out of 594 schools in the state and maintains a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Another notable aspect of Wake STEM Early College High School is its focus on equity and inclusion. The school excels in the performance of various student subgroups, often ranking in the top 10-20 schools in the state for female students, male students, Asian students, African American students, Hispanic students, white students, and low socioeconomic status students. This suggests a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students, regardless of their background. When compared to nearby high schools in the Wake County district, such as Needham Broughton High, Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy, and Apex High, Wake STEM Early College High School consistently outperforms these schools on academic measures, making it a compelling option for families seeking a high-performing public high school in the area.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 2205 Walnut Street
       Cary, NC  27518


(919) 694-8130

District: Wake County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
43rd of 640 North Carolina High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,774 Help


Feeder schools for Wake STEM Early College High School:

Elementary:    Adams Elementary
    Alston Ridge Elementary
    Apex Elementary
    Aversboro Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Apex Middle
    Carnage Middle
    Carroll Middle
    Centennial Campus Middle
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  17.2 Help
Number of students:  263

Racial breakdown:

White:
36.1%
Hispanic:
25.1%
African American:
17.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  29.7% Help


 See top rated North Carolina high schools

 Compare Wake STEM Early College High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Wake STEM Early College High School ranks better than 93.3% of high schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 2nd among 32 ranked high schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 93.95. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Wake STEM Early College High School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (36.1%), Hispanic (25.1%), African American (17.5%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 29.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Wake STEM Early College High School is 17.2, which is the 11th best among 32 high schools in the Wake County Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Wake STEM Early College High School employs 15.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Wake STEM Early College High School is $10,774, which is the 9th highest among 32 high schools in the Wake County Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Wake STEM Early College High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Wake STEM Early College High School 43rd of 640 North Carolina public high schools. (See Wake STEM Early College High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status 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.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Wake STEM Early College High School?

Rank History for Wake STEM Early College High School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 97.98 7th 594 98.8%
2022 95.93 18th 621 97.1%
2023 94.92 28th 626 95.5%
2024 93.95 43rd 640 93.3%
See the entire list of North Carolina High School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.15 6th 544 98.9%
2023 97.46 20th 597 96.6%
2024 96.69 35th 613 94.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 94.02 24th 594 96.0%
2023 94.48 23rd 588 96.1%
2024 93.33 38th 602 93.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 79.69 3rd 403 99.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 97.57 4th 585 99.3%
2023 95.98 24th 602 96.0%
2024 93.42 56th 607 90.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 88.95 5th 98 94.9%
2024 88.75 4th 101 96.0%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.45 5th 430 98.8%
2023 99.08 9th 434 97.9%
2024 98.10 21st 437 95.2%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 98.98 2nd 436 99.5%
2023 98.34 8th 449 98.2%
2024 92.21 45th 454 90.1%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Wake STEM Early College High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 93.60 28th 534 94.8%
2023 92.58 34th 537 93.7%
2024 91.01 48th 553 91.3%
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.

Wake STEM Early College High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for Wake STEM Early College High School.

If you have first-hand knowledge about Wake STEM Early College High School, submit a rating!



No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Wake STEM Early College High School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2012 16 29 5 3 0 0 2 0 55
2013 39 42 12 14 0 0 3 0 110
2014 67 53 20 19 0 0 5 0 164
2015 87 62 27 24 0 0 8 0 208
2016 113 65 34 30 0 0 7 0 249
2017 131 49 33 30 1 0 13 0 257
2018 136 43 28 29 1 0 12 0 249
2019 136 43 24 36 1 0 14 0 254
2020 138 35 23 38 1 0 19 0 254
2021 128 38 27 46 1 0 16 0 256
2022 111 42 38 50 0 0 11 0 252
2023 95 46 45 66 0 0 11 0 263

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 Wake STEM Early College High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2012 55 5.0 11.0 41.8
2013 110 11.0 9.9 40
2014 164 12.0 13.6 35.4
2015 208 13.0 16.0 26
2016 249 14.0 17.7 20.9
2017 257 14.1 18.2 16.7
2018 249 14.6 17.0 13.3
2019 254 14.5 17.4 15
2020 254 14.5 17.4 15.7
2021 256 14.4 17.7 16
2022 252 15.1 16.6 13.9
2023 263 15.2 17.2 29.7

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 Wake STEM Early College High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2012 55 5.0 11.0 41.8
2013 110 11.0 9.9 40
2014 164 12.0 13.6 35.4
2015 208 13.0 16.0 26
2016 249 14.0 17.7 20.9
2017 257 14.1 18.2 16.7
2018 249 14.6 17.0 13.3
2019 254 14.5 17.4 15
2020 254 14.5 17.4 15.7
2021 256 14.4 17.7 16
2022 252 15.1 16.6 13.9
2023 263 15.2 17.2 29.7

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 Wake STEM Early College High School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $232 (2.2%) $10,542 (97.8%) $10,774

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Wake STEM Early College High School

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.

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course English II (Wake STEM Early College High School)92.7100
 7.3%
   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 III (Wake STEM Early College High School)10098.7
 1.3%
   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 Students254263
 3.5%
African American4346
 7%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian2445
 87.5%
Hispanic3666
 83.3%
Pacific Islander00
White13695
 30.1%
Two or More Races1411
 21.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients15%29.7%
 14.7%


Schools Near Wake STEM Early College High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Wake STEM Early College High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 263 students attended Wake STEM Early College High School.

Students at Wake STEM Early College High School are 36% White, 25% Hispanic, 17% African American, 17% Asian, 4% Two or more races.

Yes. Wake STEM Early College High School ranks in the top 6.7% of North Carolina high schools.

Wake STEM Early College High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Adams Elementary
Elementary : Alston Ridge Elementary
Elementary : Apex Elementary
Elementary : Aversboro Elementary
Elementary : Baileywick Road Elementary
Elementary : Ballentine Elementary
Elementary : Banks Road Elementary
Elementary : Barwell Road Elementary
Elementary : Baucom Elementary
Elementary : Brassfield Elementary
Elementary : Brentwood Elementary
Elementary : Briarcliff Elementary
Elementary : Brier Creek Elementary
Elementary : Brooks Elementary
Elementary : Bugg Elementary
Elementary : Carpenter Elementary
Elementary : Carver Elementary
Elementary : Cary Elementary
Elementary : Cedar Fork Elementary
Elementary : Combs Elementary
Elementary : Conn Elementary
Elementary : Creech Road Elementary
Elementary : Davis Drive Elementary
Elementary : Dillard Drive Elementary
Elementary : Douglas Elementary
Elementary : Durant Road Elementary
Elementary : East Garner Elementary
Elementary : Farmington Woods Elementary
Elementary : Forest Pines Drive Elementary
Elementary : Forestville Road Elementary
Elementary : Fox Road Elementary
Elementary : Fuller Elementary
Elementary : Fuquay-Varina Elementary
Elementary : Green Elementary
Elementary : Green Hope Elementary
Elementary : Harris Creek Elementary
Elementary : Herbert Akins Rd Elementary
Elementary : Heritage Elementary
Elementary : Highcroft Elementary
Elementary : Hilburn Drive Academy
Elementary : Hodge Road Elementary
Elementary : Holly Grove Elementary
Elementary : Holly Ridge Elementary
Elementary : Holly Springs Elementary
Elementary : Hunter Elementary
Elementary : Jeffreys Grove Elementary
Elementary : Jones Dairy Elementary
Elementary : Joyner Elementary
Elementary : Kingswood Elementary
Elementary : Knightdale Elementary
Elementary : Lacy Elementary
Elementary : Lake Myra Elementary
Elementary : Laurel Park Elementary
Elementary : Lead Mine Elementary
Elementary : Leesville Road Elementary
Elementary : Lincoln Heights Elementary
Elementary : Lockhart Elementary
Elementary : Lynn Road Elementary
Elementary : Middle Creek Elementary
Elementary : Millbrook Elementary
Elementary : Mills Park Elementary
Elementary : Morrisville Elementary
Elementary : North Forest Pines Elementary
Elementary : North Ridge Elementary
Elementary : Northwoods Elementary
Elementary : Oak Grove Elementary
Elementary : Olds Elementary
Elementary : Olive Chapel Elementary
Elementary : Partnership Elementary
Elementary : Penny Road Elementary
Elementary : Pleasant Union Elementary
Elementary : Poe Elementary
Elementary : Powell Elementary
Elementary : Rand Road Elementary
Elementary : Reedy Creek Elementary
Elementary : Richland Creek Elementary
Elementary : River Bend Elementary
Elementary : Rolesville Elementary
Elementary : Root Elementary
Elementary : Salem Elementary
Elementary : Sanford Creek Elementary
Elementary : Smith Elementary
Elementary : Stough Elementary
Elementary : Swift Creek Elementary
Elementary : Sycamore Creek Elementary
Elementary : Timber Drive Elementary
Elementary : Turner Creek Elementary
Elementary : Underwood Elementary
Elementary : Vance Elementary
Elementary : Vandora Springs Elementary
Elementary : Wake Forest Elementary
Elementary : Wakefield Elementary
Elementary : Wakelon Elementary
Elementary : Walnut Creek Elementary
Elementary : Washington Elementary
Elementary : Weatherstone Elementary
Elementary : Wendell Elementary
Elementary : West Lake Elementary
Elementary : Wilburn Elementary
Elementary : Wildwood Forest Elementary
Elementary : Wiley Elementary
Elementary : Willow Springs Elementary
Elementary : Yates Mill Elementary
Elementary : York Elementary
Elementary : Zebulon Elementary
Middle : Apex Middle
Middle : Carnage Middle
Middle : Carroll Middle
Middle : Centennial Campus Middle
Middle : Davis Drive Middle
Middle : Dillard Drive Middle
Middle : Durant Road Middle
Middle : East Cary Middle
Middle : East Garner Middle
Middle : East Millbrook Middle
Middle : Fuquay-Varina Middle
Middle : Heritage Middle
Middle : Holly Grove Middle
Middle : Holly Ridge Middle
Middle : Leesville Road Middle
Middle : Ligon Middle
Middle : Lufkin Road Middle
Middle : Martin Middle
Middle : Mills Park Middle
Middle : Moore Square Middle
Middle : Neuse River Middle
Middle : North Garner Middle
Middle : Oberlin Middle
Middle : Reedy Creek Middle
Middle : Rolesville Middle
Middle : Salem Middle
Middle : Wake Forest Middle School
Middle : Wakefield Middle
Middle : Wendell Middle
Middle : West Cary Middle
Middle : West Lake Middle
Middle : West Millbrook Middle
Middle : Zebulon Middle


Rate Wake STEM Early College High School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Wake STEM Early College High School!




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.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 32 milliseconds.