Highland Elementary vs Surf City Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in North Carolina, United States, 163 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Highland Elementary
Sanford · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
854 students
Surf City Elementary
Hampstead · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
857 students
| Measure | Highland Elementary Sanford, North Carolina | Surf City Elementary Hampstead, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 47 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #378 of 1,457 | #350 of 1,457 |
| National rank | #27390 of 50,301 | #26317 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–5 | Grades PK–5 |
| Students | 854 | 857 |
| Enrollment | 854 | 857 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 54.6% | 99.6% |
| Students per teacher | 15.3 | 16.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 48% | 62% |
| Math proficiency | 41% | 59% |
| city | Sanford | Hampstead |
| state | North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Surf City Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (48.3 vs 46.7).
- •Surf City Elementary does better on math proficiency (59% vs 41%).
- •Surf City Elementary does better on reading proficiency (62% vs 48%).
- •Highland Elementary does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (54.6% vs 99.6%).
- •Highland Elementary does better on students per teacher (15.3 vs 16.8).
- •Surf City Elementary is the larger school with 857 students compared with 854.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Highland Elementary better than Surf City Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), Surf City Elementary ranks higher (48.3 vs 46.7 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Highland Elementary and Surf City Elementary?
About 163 km in a straight line, between Sanford and Hampstead in North Carolina.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Highland Elementary: 854. Surf City Elementary: 857. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Highland Elementary and Surf City Elementary rank in North Carolina?
Highland Elementary is 378th of 1,457 and Surf City Elementary is 350th of 1,457 among elementary schools in North Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).