E. E. Smith High School is a high school in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A part of Cumberland County Schools, it is named for Ezekiel Ezra Smith and is home of the Golden Bulls. High school aged dependents of personnel living on the military reservation of Fort Liberty, in Cumberland County, are zoned to E. E. Smith.
Serving 1,017 students in grades 9-12, E E Smith High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,017 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
E E Smith High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
E E Smith High School's student population of 1,017 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,017 students
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Year Founded
1927
Colors
Navy Blue, Old gold
School Motto
Born of Need Destined to Serve Striving to Excel
School Rankings
E E Smith High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of E E Smith High School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1992 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)20-24%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
16%
22%
Black
65%
24%
White
10%
42%
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)78%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (17-18)
7%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Golden Bulls
Frequently Asked Questions
What is E E Smith High School's ranking?
E E Smith High School is ranked #1992 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are E E Smith High School often compared to?
E E Smith High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pine Forest High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of E E Smith High School?
The graduation rate of E E Smith High School is 78%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend E E Smith High School?
1,017 students attend E E Smith High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of E E Smith High School students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of E E Smith High School?
E E Smith High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does E E Smith High School offer ?
E E Smith High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is E E Smith High School part of?
E E Smith High School is part of Cumberland County Schools.
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